ODM Sets Dates For Nationwide Grassroots Elections

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced the dates for its upcoming grassroots elections, set to begin in April.

According to a statement from the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) chairperson, Emily Awita, the Sub-Branch (Ward) elections will take place on Monday, April 7, at designated centers across all 47 counties.

The Branch (Constituency) elections will follow on Wednesday, April 9, in all 290 constituencies.

The elections, scheduled between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, will be conducted either through consensus or by a show of hands.

“Only delegates elected at the Polling Unit level will be eligible to participate as voters or candidates,” the notice reads.

However, they should pay Sh100 required fee.

ODM has also opened applications for those seeking to vie for various positions. The application window, which started on March 20, will close at midnight on March 31.

Across the country, 77 officials will be elected per branch under four committees: Mainstream, Women’s League, Youth League, and Disability League. Positions up for grabs include Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Organising Secretary, and representatives for Women, Youth, Disability, and Special Interest Groups.

Candidates for Sub-Branch positions will pay a Ksh200 fee, except for the Chairperson, who will pay Ksh500. At the Branch level, non-executive aspirants will pay Ksh500, while executive position contenders will pay Sh1,000. The Chairperson position at this level will require a Sh1,500 fee.

Once the elections are completed, results will be uploaded to the party’s official app, and any disputes must be filed within 12 hours. Complaints will require a Sh15,000 fee for Sub-Branch elections and Ksh30,000 for Branch-level disputes.

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has also set its grassroots election dates.

The ruling party will hold elections in 22 counties on April 11 and 12, 2025. UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire confirmed that the decision followed deliberations by the party’s National Steering Committee and National Elections Board.

So far, UDA has concluded grassroots elections in five counties and will now extend the process to Bungoma, Garissa, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Lamu, Machakos, Tana River, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Migori, Mombasa, Nyamira, Siaya, Taita Taveta, and Turkana.

According to Mbarire, 113,800 candidates have already registered for the elections, and the registration process remains open until midnight on Friday, March 21. Interested individuals have been advised to register via the party’s official website, UDA.ke.

“These elections mark a crucial step in strengthening democracy in our nation,” Mbarire said.