ODM broad-based leaders gather for youth convention in Nairobi

ODM wing of the broad-based government converge at Jamhuri Showground in Nairobi for the party’s Youth Convention, April 20, 2026. /SCREENGRAB

Leaders and party members allied to the ODM wing of the broad-based government converged at Jamhuri Showground in Nairobi on Monday for the party’s Youth Convention, a key plank in its renewed grassroots mobilisation strategy.

The gathering, which drew hundreds of delegates, youth leaders and party officials, marks the start of a series of countrywide engagements targeting young people as ODM seeks to rebuild momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The push follows a decision by the party’s Central Committee last week to roll out what it described as a “vigorous and rigorous” programme to rejuvenate, revamp and re-energise its support base across the country.

The committee, chaired by party leader Oburu Oginga, framed the initiative as central to consolidating ODM’s identity and strengthening its footprint particularly in its traditional strongholds.

“We have no choice but to make bigger our identity which remains in the hearts of a majority of Kenyans,” the party said after the meeting.

Under the plan, youth conventions will be held across 25 counties, beginning with Nairobi before moving to Mombasa on April 26.

The schedule will briefly pause between May 1 and May 3 for a joint National Executive Committee and Parliamentary Group retreat bringing together top party leadership and governors.

Party insiders say the mobilisation drive is designed not only to energise supporters but also to reassert ODM’s political footing following a turbulent period triggered by the death of longtime leader Raila Odinga.

Raila's passing sparked a leadership row that exposed internal divisions, leading to the emergence of rival factions Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi, which continue to jostle for influence.

The current outreach organised by the Linda Ground wing is therefore being positioned as both a unifying exercise and a recruitment drive aimed at rebranding the party for a new political cycle.

It is also seen as part of a wider strategy to counter the growing influence and popularity of the rival Linda Mwananchi faction led by besieged secretary general and Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna.

On Sunday, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris intensified the mobilisation efforts, meeting youth groups and urging them to turn out in large numbers for the convention.

She framed the moment as a turning point for the party’s future as it marks 20 years of existence this year.

“ODM is getting stronger, better, broader and bolder. If you are a youth under 35, an ODM member and a registered voter, get in touch with your ward and constituency youth leaders, register and attend the convention,” she said.

She also called on unregistered members to enlist through the party’s digital platform, signalling an increased reliance on technology to widen participation among younger demographics.

“ODM is reloading like you’ve never seen, and we need you. Kenya needs you, ODM needs you. Baba has faith in you showing up as ODM reloaded,” she added.

Alongside the youth engagement campaign, the Central Committee has directed that grassroots elections be concluded in regions where the process remains pending.

The directive underscores the party’s intent to stabilise its internal structures and resolve disputes that have slowed organisational renewal in some areas.

Members in affected regions have been urged to utilise internal dispute resolution mechanisms to unlock stalemates and ensure the elections are completed in time to support the broader mobilisation agenda.

The twin focus on youth engagement and internal restructuring is widely seen as ODM’s attempt to recalibrate ahead of anticipated political negotiations with its broad-based partner, UDA, and to position itself competitively for the next electoral cycle.