Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has assured party youth of greater inclusion and empowerment, saying their demands will be central to the party’s future organisation and electoral strategy.
Speaking when he presided over the Nairobi Youth Convention organised by the National ODM Youth League and the Nairobi ODM Youth League, Oburu said the party had received a memorandum from youth leaders drawn from all 85 wards of Nairobi.
“I hear you. The energy you bring from all 85 wards today reminds me that the future of this country is already here,” he said.
He said ODM’s strength has historically been rooted in its grassroots support, but noted that its “true heartbeat” lies in the youth wing, which he described as critical to the party’s long-term survival and political relevance.
Oburu emphasised party unity and discipline, warning against internal divisions that could weaken the movement ahead of future elections.
“We are committed to party unity and discipline because a house divided cannot stand. We will endeavour to bring everyone to the table to ensure our loyalty to the cause remains unshaken,” he said.
He added that the party was working to create a clear and fair pathway for young members transitioning from the youth league into elective politics.
“Your demand for empowerment is a necessity for our survival, and we are working to ensure the path from the Youth League to the ballot paper is clear, fair and protected,” he said.
The ODM leader also called for intensified grassroots mobilisation, urging youth leaders to focus on voter registration as the party seeks to expand its support base.
“Let us go back to the grassroots, register the millions, and show the country that Nairobi is, and will remain, Orange,” he said.
The convention brought together youth representatives from across Nairobi as ODM intensifies internal mobilisation and restructuring efforts ahead of the next electoral cycle, with party leaders increasingly turning to the youth wing as a key pillar of its political strategy.
