The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has unveiled a fresh nationwide mobilisation plan aimed at strengthening its grassroots presence, with a strong focus on young people, especially university and college students, as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
According to resolutions made on Monday, May 4, the party announced that it will roll out an extensive recruitment and scouting exercise across the country.
This initiative will involve sending regional teams tasked with identifying, engaging, and encouraging potential candidates who are interested in contesting various elective positions under the ODM ticket.
The strategy is designed to ensure that the party fields strong contenders at all levels, from local leadership positions to parliamentary and national offices.
The party says the new approach is part of a broader effort to make its candidate selection process more structured, transparent, and inclusive.
By actively scouting for aspirants early, ODM hopes to build a competitive lineup of leaders well ahead of the elections, rather than relying on last-minute nominations or internal party contests.
At the same time, ODM has placed significant emphasis on expanding its influence within institutions of higher learning. The party has announced plans to activate ODM chapters in all universities and colleges across Kenya.
These chapters will serve as organised platforms where students can participate in political discussions, leadership development, and civic engagement activities under the party’s umbrella.
The initiative also includes strengthening connections with what ODM described as “progressive youth organisations” already active in different sectors, including education, governance, and community development.
The goal is to create a stronger network of young people who can support the party’s vision and contribute to policy discussions affecting students and youth in general.
Speaking on behalf of the party, ODM acting secretary general Catherine Omanyo said the youth-focused plan is meant to empower students while also building long-term political engagement.
She explained that ODM wants its presence to be felt not only during election periods but also in everyday student life, where young people are shaping their future through education and activism.
According to her, linking with student-led organisations and expanding party chapters will help ODM better understand the challenges facing young Kenyans and respond to them more effectively.
In addition to youth mobilisation, the party also raised concerns about political party funding in the country. ODM called on the government to fully release and disburse funds allocated to political parties, arguing that timely financing is essential for democracy to function properly.
The party claimed that delayed or incomplete payments weaken political organisations and limit their ability to carry out national operations, voter outreach, and policy engagement.
ODM officials further stated that the government currently owes the party approximately Ksh 12 billion in political funding. They insisted that such funds must be released in full and on time, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party also suggested that any future engagement or negotiations with the ruling administration under the Kenyan Kwanza government should take place after these financial obligations are addressed.
Beyond electoral and institutional reforms, ODM also reiterated its commitment to social welfare policies aimed at supporting vulnerable groups in society.
The party proposed a significant increase in the monthly stipend provided to elderly citizens under the Inua Jamii programme, suggesting that the amount be raised from Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 6,000.
According to the party, the current support is not enough to meet the basic needs of many senior citizens who rely on the programme for survival.
ODM also called for improved government assistance to widows, single mothers, and low-income households, arguing that these groups continue to face serious economic and social challenges.
The party emphasised that stronger welfare systems are necessary to reduce inequality and improve living standards for the most vulnerable members of society.
In its statement, ODM reaffirmed that it remains focused on creating opportunities for young people while also pushing for government policies that prioritise social protection and poverty reduction.
The party said its long-term vision includes building a more inclusive society where both youth empowerment and social welfare are central pillars of governance.
These resolutions come at a politically strategic time, roughly 14 months before the next general election cycle begins.
ODM maintains that it intends to play a central role in the next government, and its latest youth mobilisation and policy proposals appear to be part of a broader effort to strengthen its political position nationwide.
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