ODM warns against violence ahead of polls

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ODM party has issued a stark warning to members against any form of violence during the grassroots elections slated for November 27.

In a dispatch to newsrooms, ODM’s National Elections Coordination Board called for discipline during the one-day exercise.

This is the first time the party is going to elections without Raila, who is a candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson seat.

The former premier relinquished his position to concentrate on the continental job. NECC chairperson Emily Awita threatened action against leaders and supporters of the party who will engage in acts of violence.

“Ms Awita appealed to party members to uphold high levels to exercise,” communication from the party reads.

The exercise was initially scheduled for April this year but was called off due to the flooding that was being experienced in the country.

REDEEMING THE PARTY Grassroots elections for political parties have always been a hot potato that most outfits avoid, opting instead to headhunt officials to take up the positions.

Such exercise has in the past had been riddled with cases of violence by rival supporters.

ODM is planning to have fresh blood in vital party organs as it seeks to lay strong foundation for the 2027 battle.

In the first round of his aggressive efforts to redeem the party, the outfit has disbanded the National Elections Board and, in its place, created a three-member NECC, which is in charge of election.

The NECC is regarded as the heart of the party as it makes high-impact decisions to foster cohesion and a strong performance in general election.

Awita yesterday confirmed that all the election-coordinating officers have been trained and deployed to their respective regions.

“The chair of the National Elections Coordination Board Ms Emily Awita says the stage is set for this exercise which will be held at the polling station level across the country,” the statement says.

Only registered party members will participate, Awita said.

“Directorate of membership has announced that the exercise of membership recruitment will come to a close on Wednesday 20 November 2024 at 5.00pm,” Awita said.

“This is to allow time for the preparation of a complete party register by the office the Registrar of Political Parties.

The party register will be used in the exercise.” Each polling unit will be electing leaders for three key committees: the mainstream, women league, and youth league.

Within the mainstream category, several positions are open, including chairperson, vice vhairperson, secretary, organising secretary, treasurer, women leader, youth leader, and three committee members.

For the women and youth league categories, positions will include chairperson, secretary, organising secretary and three committee members each.