- ODM has never attempted to conduct its elections since 2014 when a planned exercise at Kasarani aborted.
- Registration is also set to be conducted online.
Image: FILE
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has announced plans to recruit new members across the country as it seeks to redeem its dwindling image and strengthen it ahead of 2027.
The party which has lately been compounded with defections by elected leaders to the ruling side says the move is aimed at giving an opportunity to Kenyans from across the country to register as new members.
Party leader Raila Odinga who made the announcement Friday is set to launch the drive Saturday in his Siaya backyard.
The registration exercise will culminate in grassroots elections in March 2024 and subsequently the national elections.
“I want to convey greetings to all our members across the country, we are approaching the end of the year and we have decided that this time we are going to launch the recruitment of new members,” he said.
“We want to give an opportunity to those younger people who have never had an opportunity to register to do so,” he stated.
On Monday, Raila will be in Homabay to the same drive before heading to Migori, Kisii, Nyamira and Kisumu and other counties.
The marathon exercise according to the Opposition leader is set to be concluded before March.
“We will elect officials from the smallest unit which is the polling station then we go to the ward, Sub County and finally the county,” he said.
The elections will lead to the National Delegates Convention (NDC) where the members are set to elect its national officials.
Registration is also set to be conducted online.
ODM has never attempted to conduct its elections since 2014 when a planned exercise at Kasarani aborted midway.
Trouble started when a group of delegates led by a then nominated MP caused mayhem at the venue destroying ballot boxes and election materials.
They were demanding that party registers be availed before the process continued alleging there was serious malpractices.
Raila and Kalonzo Musyoka among other leaders were whisked away after the melee.
ODM recruitment drive comes a month after UDA party of President William Ruto launched the process.
Ruto said the elections grassroots elections will be held in December across the country.