ODM launches membership verification ahead of by-elections
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 19, 2025The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has launched a party membership verification exercise ahead of the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025, as per the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announcement.
ODM has appealed to its members to confirm their details, insisting no changes will be allowed during the exercise.
“Following communication by IEBC regarding the upcoming by-elections, the Party wishes to inform its members in the following electoral areas: Baringo County, Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Ugunja Constituencies, as well as Chemundu/Kapng’etuny , Chewani, Fafi, Kariobangi North, Kisa East, Metkei, Mumbuni North, Kabuchai/Chwele, Narok Town, Purko, Tembelio, Nyansiongo, Nyamajya, Ekerenyo, Lake Zone, and Nanaam Wards, that Party membership verification is ongoing,” ODM said in a statement on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
“Members in the listed areas are advised to verify their Party membership details and status in preparation for the upcoming by-elections.”
IEBC explains poll timeline
IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon earlier explained the timing of the polls.
“We relied on Article 259 of the Constitution, which allows flexibility when dire circumstances arise, as long as the purpose, values, and principles of the law are promoted. Holding by-elections within the original 90-day timeframe was impossible due to the delayed reconstitution of the Commission.”
The Commission instructed political parties intending to participate in the by-elections to submit candidate names by September 17, 2025. Public officers intending to contest were to resign within seven days of the notice. Candidates vying as independents must not have been members of any political party for at least three months before the election date.
The campaign period will run from October 8 to November 24, between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm daily. IEBC will publish the names of candidates contesting in party primaries and the primary dates within seven days of receiving submissions.
“This exercise is crucial to ensure smooth participation in the party primaries and to confirm that only verified members participate in candidate selection for the by-elections,” the party added highlighting the importance of ODM’s verification exercise.