A section of youth affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Nairobi has threatened to disrupt the party’s upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC), citing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and lack of transparency on the meeting’s agenda.Speaking in Nairobi, the youth group, led by Hon. Midiwo, criticised both the party and the government, warning that they would not allow the conference to proceed as planned.
The leaders claimed they had not been consulted or informed about the agenda of the meeting, questioning the legitimacy of the gathering. “We are not aware of the agenda, and we will not allow such a gathering to happen in Nairobi,” Midiwo said.
The group also took issue with alleged external interference in party affairs, accusing William Ruto of undermining multi-party democracy.They further criticised the role of Gladys Wanga in organising the meeting, suggesting it was influenced by outside interests.
At the same time, the youth leaders raised concerns about internal party processes, arguing that key discussions, particularly those involving Winnie Odinga, had not been formally tabled through the party’s official structures, including the Secretary-General and the National Executive Council (NEC).They insisted that any resolutions discussed informally should have been documented and presented to party organs in line with the Political Parties Act.
The group also reignited debate over succession politics within ODM, calling for leadership to remain within the family of party leader Raila Odinga, popularly known as “Baba.” They proposed that one of his children be considered for a leadership role, while suggesting that Oburu Odinga should instead serve as party patron rather than leader.Despite their strong stance, the youth leaders maintained that their actions would remain peaceful. “We are not planning any chaos, but we will defend what Baba fought for,” they said, urging ODM supporters to mobilise and oppose the meeting.
The planned NDC is expected to be a key event for ODM as it seeks to chart its future direction, but the emerging divisions among its youth wing highlight growing internal tensions within one of Kenya’s leading political parties.
