ODM calls off Kisumu delegates elections citing security concerns
By Faith Lagat, March 5, 2026The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called off the Kisumu County party delegates elections that had been scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, citing security concerns linked to a highly polarised political environment.
In a letter dated March 6, 2026, addressed to the Chairperson of the ODM Party National Elections Coordination Committee, party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga announced the postponement.
The correspondence, stated that intelligence reports had raised concerns about the prevailing political climate ahead of the elections.
“Following the prevailing polarized environment informed by intelligence, I have made a decision to inform you to cancel the elections slated for tomorrow Friday 6th February 2026,” the letter stated, directing that all concerned parties be notified.
Rising internal tensions within ODM
The cancellation comes at a time when the party is experiencing heightened internal tensions as it prepares for political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election. ODM has been engaged in discussions around coalition arrangements and internal leadership processes.
During a rally at Posta Grounds in Migori on March 1, 2026, Oburu Oginga addressed coalition discussions involving partners in the broad-based government, including the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He said announcing the intention to engage in such talks had unsettled some quarters within the political space.
“Some people wameanza kuhara,” he said during the rally, while inviting critics to raise their concerns during the upcoming National Delegates Council (NDC) meeting.
The party has also witnessed debates from different factions, including those associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi group, who have opposed closer ties with UDA.
Focus shifts to NDC meeting
Attention is now shifting to the National Delegates Council meeting scheduled for March 27, 2026. The NDC is the party’s top decision-making organ and is expected to review key issues affecting ODM’s direction.
Among the matters expected to be discussed are the party’s 10-point agenda under the arrangement with UDA and decisions relating to coalition partnerships ahead of the next general election.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has previously indicated that the party remains open to coalitions that can deliver power in 2027 while maintaining focus on agreed priorities.
The cancellation of the Kisumu delegates elections highlights the importance of grassroots processes within the party’s traditional strongholds in Nyanza. Kisumu has long been considered a key ODM support base, and delegate elections play a role in shaping representation at the national level.