Meeting in Nairobi on Thursday, January 15, the county chairs resolved that ODM must field its own presidential candidate in 2027, arguing that the party risks losing its identity if it continues entering electoral arrangements without a clear flag bearer.
The meeting was led by CoCC chairman Zebedee Osabwa, alongside secretary Dickson Imanyara and council member Ann Chepkwony.
The leaders said the resolution was reached after extensive consultations across the country and reflected growing concern among grassroots leaders about ODM’s future political standing.
According to the council, the decision to insist on a presidential candidate is intended to ensure the party remains a distinct and competitive political force rather than a supporting partner in alliances whose long-term benefits remain unclear.
“We have resolved that ODM must identify and prepare a presidential candidate who will lead the party into the 2027 elections,” Osabwa said.
According to the council, the decision to insist on a presidential candidate is intended to ensure the party remains a distinct and competitive political force rather than a supporting partner in alliances whose long-term benefits remain unclear.
“We have resolved that ODM must identify and prepare a presidential candidate who will lead the party into the 2027 elections,” Osabwa said.
“This decision was made after wide consultations and reflects the wishes of our grassroots leadership.”
Beyond the presidency, the county chairs also resolved that ODM should field candidates in all elective positions across the country, including governor, senator, Member of Parliament and county assembly seats.
Beyond the presidency, the county chairs also resolved that ODM should field candidates in all elective positions across the country, including governor, senator, Member of Parliament and county assembly seats.
They argued that a full slate of candidates is critical for strengthening party structures and maintaining relevance at both national and county levels.
The council further demanded accountability from the party’s top leadership, calling on the secretary general to present a comprehensive status report on the implementation of the Ten-Point Agenda signed between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The chairs insisted that no further political agreements should be entered into until the existing framework is fully implemented and its benefits clearly outlined to party members.
“We want clarity on what has been achieved so far and what remains pending. Any additional agreements must wait until ODM members understand what the party has gained from the current arrangement,” one council member stated.
The leaders also expressed frustration with what they described as increasing exclusion of county chairs from key party decisions.
The council further demanded accountability from the party’s top leadership, calling on the secretary general to present a comprehensive status report on the implementation of the Ten-Point Agenda signed between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The chairs insisted that no further political agreements should be entered into until the existing framework is fully implemented and its benefits clearly outlined to party members.
“We want clarity on what has been achieved so far and what remains pending. Any additional agreements must wait until ODM members understand what the party has gained from the current arrangement,” one council member stated.
The leaders also expressed frustration with what they described as increasing exclusion of county chairs from key party decisions.
They accused ODM’s steering committee of convening important meetings without consulting grassroots leaders, a move they warned could weaken party unity.
Osabwa lamented that such exclusion was a departure from ODM’s long-standing culture of consultation under veteran party leader Raila Odinga.
“There was never a time when major decisions were made without involving county chairs. We are now seeing meetings being held without our knowledge, and that is unacceptable,” he said.
The council emphasized that county chairs play a critical role in mobilization, party organization and voter engagement, noting that ODM’s strength has historically been rooted in its grassroots networks.
“We built this party from the polling station level to branches and counties. We are the foundation of ODM and deserve respect and inclusion in decision-making,” Osabwa added.
The demands come at a time when ODM continues to navigate internal debate over its cooperation with the ruling coalition, with sections of the party divided on whether continued engagement strengthens or dilutes its opposition credentials.
While party leader Raila Odinga has defended dialogue as a means of safeguarding national stability and advancing reforms, grassroots leaders appear increasingly keen on asserting ODM’s independence ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Osabwa lamented that such exclusion was a departure from ODM’s long-standing culture of consultation under veteran party leader Raila Odinga.
“There was never a time when major decisions were made without involving county chairs. We are now seeing meetings being held without our knowledge, and that is unacceptable,” he said.
The council emphasized that county chairs play a critical role in mobilization, party organization and voter engagement, noting that ODM’s strength has historically been rooted in its grassroots networks.
“We built this party from the polling station level to branches and counties. We are the foundation of ODM and deserve respect and inclusion in decision-making,” Osabwa added.
The demands come at a time when ODM continues to navigate internal debate over its cooperation with the ruling coalition, with sections of the party divided on whether continued engagement strengthens or dilutes its opposition credentials.
While party leader Raila Odinga has defended dialogue as a means of safeguarding national stability and advancing reforms, grassroots leaders appear increasingly keen on asserting ODM’s independence ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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