Ruth Odinga has urged members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to maintain unity and stability amid heightened internal competition that forced the postponement of grassroots elections in parts of the country.
Speaking during a consultative forum bringing together ODM delegates from the seven constituencies in Kisumu County, the Kisumu deputy governor warned that divisions within the party could weaken its political strength ahead of future negotiations and national contests.
“There could be no better way to start my weekend than attending this consultative forum,” Odinga said as she addressed party members, aspirants and elected leaders drawn from both the national and county assemblies.
Her remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal tensions linked to grassroots elections that were scheduled for March 6 but were postponed following disputes and intense competition among aspirants seeking party positions.
Odinga told the gathering that ODM’s strength lies in its unity and long political history, cautioning leaders against actions that could fracture the party.
“Let nobody cheat us; it is not possible for one to start building a political party from scratch and expect it to be strong enough to give the power we are all looking for,” she said.
“We must climb down from our various pedestals and work around making ODM peaceful and stable because that is what can carry us to any negotiating table.”
The ODM grassroots elections are a crucial exercise meant to restructure the party from the polling station level to the national leadership, often shaping political alignments ahead of general elections.
However, the process has in the past been marred by disputes, logistical challenges and competition among aspirants seeking influence within the party’s structures.
At the Kisumu meeting, Odinga acknowledged that the campaigns leading to the planned elections had become increasingly polarized, creating tensions among party supporters.
She urged party officials and leaders to take responsibility for calming supporters and encouraging healthy competition among aspirants seeking various positions within ODM.
“We have a duty as ODM members and more particularly those in leadership positions within party structures to encourage those seeking various seats,” she said.
The consultative forum brought together delegates from the seven constituencies in Kisumu County, a region considered one of ODM’s political strongholds and a key base for the party leader Raila Odinga.
ODM has traditionally enjoyed overwhelming support in the county, often making internal elections highly competitive as leaders battle for influence within the party’s structures.
Odinga expressed hope that the party leadership would soon give direction on when the grassroots elections will be held following the postponement.
She suggested the new date could come after the upcoming ODM National Delegates Conference scheduled for March 27.
“We hope that our party leader will give direction on the next possible elections date,” she said.
Political observers say the grassroots elections are likely to shape ODM’s internal power dynamics at a time when the party is navigating a shifting national political landscape.
In recent months, ODM has been balancing its traditional opposition role while also engaging in cooperation talks with the government of William Ruto.
The party has also faced pressure from emerging political formations and internal factions as leaders position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
For regions such as Kisumu, maintaining unity within ODM is seen as crucial in preserving the party’s dominance while ensuring its leaders retain influence at the national level.
Odinga told party members that despite the intense competition for positions, the party must remain united and focused on strengthening its structures.
She warned that internal conflicts could undermine ODM’s ability to negotiate political alliances or effectively represent its supporters.
“Peace and stability within the Orange Party must be our priority,” she said, urging members to rally behind the party leadership as it prepares for the next phase of its internal elections.
