ODM Central Committee Reviews Appeals, Sets Election Resolutions

On April 2, 2025, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) central committee convened to review appeals stemming from the polling unit elections held on November 27, 2024. The committee also received a briefing from the National Elections Coordinating Committee on preparations for the upcoming sub-branch and branch elections.

After thorough deliberations on the findings from both reports, several observations and resolutions emerged:

Out of 43 appeals submitted, only 9 were deemed to meet the necessary criteria for merit and sufficient evidence. The appeals originated from various regions: Kwale (7 petitioners), Busia (1 petitioner), Kisumu (2 petitioners), Migori (1 petitioner), and Nairobi (7 petitioners).

Notably, the elections in Embakasi West Constituency in Nairobi were found to have been compromised by external interference, leading to the nullification of the entire election. Conversely, the appeal from the Mathare branch regarding Ngei and Mabatini Wards was dismissed due to the petitioners' failure to appear before the Appeals Committee.

The results of the election in Babadogo ward, Ruaraka, were upheld; however, those in Utalii and Lucky Summer wards have been set aside. A consensus will be sought among all constituency leaders to harmonize competing interests.

In Lang'ata branch, the results from PCEA, Undugu, Soweto Resource Center, and Ngei polling centres will undergo a consensus process. Additionally, Mr. Dan Omamo, the Returning Officer, has been barred from future election activities within the party.

Fresh elections via consensus will be held at Nyabondo Polling Unit in Nyakach Branch and in four wards within Nyando constituency, Kisumu County.

Pending resolution of outstanding matters, ward and branch elections in Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Embakasi West, Kwale, Taita Taveta Matayos, and Nyando have been suspended.

 "For the avoidance of doubt, no ward or branch elections shall take place in these areas on April 7 and 9, 2025," ODM stated.

Harmonizations will occur in Wasweta I and II (Suna West) and Kabonyo Kanyagwal in Nyando (Kisumu County) prior to elections on the 7th. The county elections coordinators for Nairobi, along with the Chair of the Coordinators in Migori and several coordinators from Siaya counties, are to be replaced immediately, with new coordinators to be announced by the NECC before April 7.

Additionally, the party received the resignation of Hon. Abdisalan as the Organizing Secretary following his nomination for the position of PS. The committee has proposed Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir as his replacement.

ODM firmly addressed recent unfounded allegations from some Azimio la Umoja leaders regarding alleged interference by ODM in the ongoing reconstitution process of the IEBC, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and integrity in the electoral process.