ODM youth leaders on Friday intensified pressure on party rebels, challenging them to resign from their positions and seek a fresh mandate from voters.
Speaking during a press conference at Chungwa House, the youth leaders accused the dissenting legislators and officials of undermining party unity while continuing to enjoy privileges secured through the ODM ticket.
The youths, led by political activist Kasmuel McOure and Nairobi ODM Youth leader Brian Owino, maintained that leaders who no longer subscribe to the party’s ideals should vacate their seats.
In remarks targeted at the Linda Mwananchi brigade led by Edwin Sifuna, the activists said the rebels should return to the electorate instead of engaging in what they termed sabotage from within.
“We want to challenge those who think they are now bigger than the ODM Party to seek a fresh mandate from the electorate,” McOure said.
He warned that ODM supporters across the country were growing impatient with leaders allegedly working against the party leadership and agenda while publicly associating with rival political formations.
ODM Young Captains Alionya Roseline said it was unfortunate that some leaders directly benefiting from the party were its biggest critics.
“Let us stop tearing our party apart on social media. They have gotten their seats and are now attacking the same party that sponsored them,” Alionya said.
“I want to send a warning to all MPs and governors elected on the party ticket. If you feel the party is no longer good, please go and seek a fresh mandate from the people.”
“We will not allow major beneficiaries of the party to fight the party left, right and centre.”
The remarks appeared to be directed at members of the ODM Linda Mwananchi, a rebel movement within the party opposed to the re-election of President William Ruto.
The team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, also includes MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Antoney Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) and Obadiiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu).
Others are Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and his Kisii counterpart Richard Onyonka.
“ODM is still intact and we are in the broad-based government. Let those saying Oburu Oginga is old and announcing themselves as party leaders know that we will not be moved,” added Derick Odhiambo Otieno.
At the same time, the youth wing announced the rollout of countrywide activation programmes aimed at re-energising the party grassroots ahead of upcoming elections.
The programme will include town hall meetings, youth forums, membership drives, and mobilisation rallies across several counties.
Nairobi ODM Youth leader Brian ‘Brayola’ Owino expressed confidence that the party would retain its seats in Nairobi and increase its numbers in the coming elections.
“We shall retain the MP seats we currently have, we will win the Nairobi governor seat as a party, and we will work hard as youths to ensure we increase the number of seats across Nairobi, from MCA positions to Members of Parliament,” Owino said.
The leaders said the exercise was intended to strengthen party structures, popularise ODM policies and rally supporters behind the party leadership.
They insisted that the youth remained firmly behind ODM leader Oburu and pledged to defend the party against what they described as internal and external attempts to weaken it.
The leaders further called on party members to remain united, saying the ongoing mobilisation campaign would help reconnect ODM with its grassroots support base.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The remarks appeared to be directed at members of ODM Linda Mwananchi, a rebel movement within the Orange Party opposed to the re-election of President William Ruto.
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