The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has dismissed reports that it used KSh100 million during the National Delegates Conference (NDC) held in Nairobi on Froday, March 23.
The report — published by a leading local daily — alleged that the party ferried 6,000 delegates to Nairobi for the NDC, and that the delegates received varied payments across different regions.
The party has termed the report as misleading, sensational, false, baseless and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and diminish the credibility of ODM.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the ODM Constitution is explicit on the composition of the National Delegates Conference,” ODM says in a statement signed by Junet Mohamed, the ODM Director of Campaigns and Elections. “The required number of accredited delegates is 3,000; any figure above this is illegal.”
The orange party is now questioning where the newspaper got the 6,000 delegates number from.
“ODM is a national, democratic movement with established structures across all 47 counties. Our internal processes, including delegates’ conferences, are conducted within the framework of our constitution and supported through legitimate party mechanisms, including funding from our members and allocations from the Political Parties Fund as provided for by law.”
The party further insists that media houses should strive adhere to ethics and fidelity to the truth.
Outcomes of the NDC
ODM is now urging Kenyans and its members to remain focused on the outcomes of the meeting that unanimously ratified Oburu Oginga as the party leader, following the passing of founding leader Raila Odinga.
The conference also mandated Oburu, who is also the Siaya County Senator, to initiate the process of coalition-building with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance Party in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
The convention, held at Jamhuri Park, also approved new deputy party leaders, with Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir taking up the roles.
“Coalition building is neither new nor unusual in Kenyan politics. ODM has consistently demonstrated political maturity and pragmatism in forging alliances across the political divide in the interest of national stability and progress. From past engagements with previous administrations to evolving political configurations, our approach has always been guided by the broader objective of delivering for the people of Kenya,” Junet says.
Junet, however, insists that ODM is an equal stakeholder in any political arrangement. “We are not subordinate to any individual or formation. We bring to the table a formidable national constituency, deep institutional structures, and a clear ideological orientation grounded in social justice and economic transformation.”
