Resign and seek fresh mandate, youth leaders tell ODM rebels

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 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.

“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 said ODM supporters across the country were growing impatient with leaders they claimed were working against the party leadership and agenda.

ODM Young Captains member Alionya Roseline said it was unfortunate that some leaders benefiting from the party were among 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: 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.”

“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 said 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.