ODM nullifies Embakasi West grassroots elections

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has annulled the grassroots elections in Embakasi West Constituency and called for a new poll in the Nyakach branch, citing interference from external parties in the electoral process.

In a statement released on April 2, the party's Central Management Committee endorsed a recommendation from its election body to invalidate the results of the November 27, 2024, elections in Embakasi West.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna confirmed that the decision followed findings of external interference.

As a result, fresh elections will take place in the Nyakach branch and in four wards within Nyando constituency, Kisumu.

In addition, elections in Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Embakasi West, Kwale, and Taita Taveta Matayos have been put on hold until the resolution of pending disputes.

The party also announced plans for harmonization exercises in certain regions in preparation for the upcoming elections, scheduled for April 7 and 9, 2025.

The upcoming phase will focus on sub-branch (ward) elections, with participation limited to delegates already elected at the polling unit level. These elections will determine the representatives who will advance to the branch (constituency) level polls set for April 9, 2025.

Emily Awita, Chairperson of the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), expressed confidence in the party's readiness.

"We are fully prepared for the exercise. Everything is set, and we expect a smooth process," Awita stated on April 1.

To ensure the elections are conducted smoothly, the NECC secretariat has worked with security agencies and school management teams to secure the polling venues.

Returning Officers have been assigned to all 290 constituencies, while Presiding Officers have been designated for each ward.

ODM aims to leverage these grassroots elections to reinforce its structures in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The statement followed meeting of the Party's Central Committee chaired by Party leader Raila Odinga, to discuss the continuation of party grassroots elections.

The elections that started on November 17, 2024 at the Polling Unit level resume on Monday 7 April at the Ward level and Wed 9 at Branch level