Chaos ensued at the Kilifi County ODM headquarters on August 14, 2024, as two rival factions clashed over the youth leadership position in the party.
The altercation, which nearly escalated into violence, was brought under control by police intervention.
The dispute arose as each faction pushed for their own candidate to lead ODM’s youth activities in the county.
The confrontation involved intense shoving and verbal exchanges, with one faction claiming authority over the youth leadership role.
“Kuanzia leo mimi ndiye officially youth leader wa ODM declared one of the claimants.
He asserted that his endorsement by the group would be ratified by the ODM National Executive Council in Nairobi.
The other faction, locked out of the headquarters, argued that the de facto youth leader was causing disunity within the party.
They demanded his removal, stating, “Atoke aende zake na hatarudi tena katika hii ODM. Kama anataka ODM aende huko Mombasa kwa hao watu ambao wanapigania debe.”
The rival group criticized the lack of understanding among some ODM youths about the distinction between party politics and government roles.
They emphasized that those returning to the party should bring benefits rather than creating disruption:
“Tunataka watulie, tupange pamoja mikakati ya chama vile kitaenda mbele. Tunataka mtu akiwa amerudi kwa chama awe ameleta faida sio mzigo kwa chama.”
WATCH VIDEO
