The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has warned of strict measures as it embarks on branch elections scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

This is after cases of violence were reported in some wards during the Monday, April 7, 2025, grassroots elections that were conducted across the country.

ODM, in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, admitted that issues were reported in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, Kibra in Nairobi and Kaptembwa in Nakuru during the Monday grassroots.

According to the Raila Odinga-led party, the Monday exercise was largely successful apart from the issues witnessed in the listed areas.

“Yesterday, Monday 7 April 2025, we embarked on the next phase of the elections, which was the Sub-Branch level, which was held in all wards across the country. Again, the exercise was largely successful, save a few cases reported in Ndhiwa in Homa Bay County, Kibra in Nairobi and Kaptembwa in Nakuru, all of which are being investigated with a view to a quick resolution. It suffices to note that only three wards out of 1,450 in the country have had reported issues,” ODM’s statement read in part.

ODM voting eligibility

ODM further announced that the delegates elected in Monday’s grassroots elections will be the only ones eligible to participate in the Wednesday branch elections that will take place in all 290 constituencies.

“ODM is a party that believes in stronger grassroots leadership, and that is why we have never shied away from holding elections as required by law. We have always held elections without fail, and this can be confirmed by the report that was released by the Registrar of Political Parties in April 2024, which stated that ODM is the only party that is operating within the provisions of the law and the requirements of the political parties’ act,” the statement read.

“The National Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) started receiving results from Constituencies Returning Officers across the country yesterday evening. Delegates elected in yesterday’s exercise will be the only ones eligible to participate in the branch elections, which are scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday 9 April 2025) in all 290 constituencies in the country.”

The party has also appealed to its members to maintain the highest degree of discipline, camaraderie and respect for each other during the polls.

ODM sounds warning

Moreover, it has warned of a stern action against those planning to cause violence, which will include expulsion from the party.

Those dissatisfied by the election outcomes have been urged to file their complaints with the party.

“We appeal to our members to maintain the highest degree of discipline, camaraderie and respect for each other. Party elections are like a friendly match where every member has the right to choose whomever they want to lead them at any level of the party hierarchies,” ODM stated.

“We want to sound a warning to anyone planning to cause violence anywhere in the country in tomorrow’s exercise that stern action shall be taken against them, including expulsion from the party. Any member wishing to make a complaint resulting from yesterday’s elections is free to do so.”

UPDATE pic.twitter.com/IHDWaNtDxc

— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) April 8, 2025

Homa Bay violence

Two youths from Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County, on Monday, April 7, 2025, sustained serious injuries following a violent confrontation between factions in the ODM party ward grassroots elections.

Elaine Omondi, 25, lost his wrist after it was chopped off using a machete, while David Oluoch sustained deep cuts on the neck and a fractured left arm after being attacked by suspected hired goons at Buche Primary School, where the exercise was ongoing.

According to the Ndhiwa Police Commander John Losia, the incident took place in the morning after youths believed not to be from Ndhiwa arrived in a proboscis vehicle and started disrupting the exercise.

The officer said the “hired goons” were, however, overpowered by the delegates and the locals before unleashing the attack on the two .

“Some youths who were hired from outside Ndhiwa constituency arrived at Buche Primary School with an intention to disrupt the event,” Losia said.

“They were, however, overpowered by the delegates and the locals who were present before attacking the two youths, causing them serious injuries,” he added.