ODM reviews grassroots elections, targets unity ahead of 2027 polls
By Faith Lagat, July 15, 2025The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has taken fresh steps to strengthen its grassroots base and prepare for the 2027 general elections, following resolutions made during a Central Committee meeting chaired by party leader Raila Odinga.
In a statement issued Tuesday, July 15, 2025, ODM said the committee had “received and adopted the report of the National Elections and branch-level elections conducted across the country between April 9th and 11th, 2025.”
The party commended the successful polls, saying they “reflected the democratic spirit and organisational strength of the party”. The branch elections are seen as a crucial step in consolidating ODM’s grassroots presence, especially as it navigates an increasingly competitive political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
However, the Central Committee noted that elections in Kwale, Taita Taveta, and Kilifi Ward in Dagoretti North, Nairobi City County, were pending. The party has scheduled these elections to take place between August 11 and August 15, 2025, under the supervision of the National Elections Board.
According to the statement, “The Committee resolved to conduct elections between August 11 and August 15, 2025, under the supervision of the National Elections Board.” This move is aimed at addressing gaps in representation and ensuring the party’s internal democratic processes are upheld across all regions.
ODM also announced plans for its 20th Anniversary celebrations, dubbed ODM@20, set to commence in October 2025. The milestone event will culminate in a National Delegates Convention (NDC) that is expected to shape the party’s direction moving into 2027.
“The Central Committee further adopted the programme for the Party’s 20th Anniversary celebrations (ODM@20). These celebrations will take place between October 2025, culminating in a National Delegates Convention (NDC),” the statement read.
The party emphasised that the NDC will be a strategic platform to “review and chart the path forward in readiness for the 2027 general elections.”
ODM insiders say the anniversary will not only celebrate the party’s two-decade history but also provide a forum to tackle internal cohesion, coalition building, and future policy priorities.
The developments come as the party leader maintains a prominent role in local and continental politics, following his bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship earlier this year.
The resolutions are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the party’s structures and rally supporters ahead of the next political contest.