The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is reviewing the petitions filed after its nationwide grassroots elections held in November 2024. The party’s Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, has confirmed that out of the 41 appeals filed, six will be forwarded to the party’s Appeals Committee for further hearings and determinations.
During a press briefing on Friday in Kileleshwa, following the first meeting of the ODM Central Committee for the year, Sifuna explained that while the grassroots elections were largely successful, the appeals raised questions regarding the election process. He highlighted that the 41 petitions were thoroughly reviewed for merit, with the majority deemed frivolous and lacking sufficient evidence. Consequently, 35 appeals were rejected for not meeting the necessary criteria.
However, the six appeals that were supported by substantial evidence will now proceed to the Appeals Committee for a formal hearing. This committee has been constituted by the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), which has appointed three senior ODM members to serve on it: Abdulswamad Sheriff, Rosa Buyu, and Ahmed Abdisalan.
Once the Appeals Committee completes its hearings, the NECC will make the final decision. Following this, the party will announce the dates for subsequent elections at the ward, constituency, and county levels. These elections are expected to be crucial for ODM’s leadership and organizational structure moving forward.
In his statement, Sifuna also congratulated all those who were successfully elected during the grassroots elections. The party has instructed the NECC to issue certificates to those who complied with the election rules, including payment requirements.
The appeal process and subsequent elections mark an important phase for ODM as it looks to consolidate its leadership at all levels and ensure a smooth organizational structure. As the appeals are resolved, the focus will shift to the upcoming elections and the future direction of the party in Kenya’s political landscape.
