The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a series of nationwide meetings targeting Gen Zs, shortly after suspending coalition talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement, the party revealed plans to hold youth conventions in 25 counties as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its grassroots support and re-energize its base.
The meetings are expected to begin in Nairobi on April 20 before moving to Mombasa on April 26.
“As part of the activation programme, we shall be embarking on countrywide tours for a series of youth conventions aimed at rejuvenating, revamping and re-energizing the party,” ODM said.
The move comes amid growing unease between ODM and UDA, with the Oburu Oginga-led outfit citing what it described as “unwarranted public utterances” from some UDA officials. According to ODM, the remarks have raised concerns within the party ranks.
ODM has maintained a firm stance that its traditional strongholds including Nyanza, Western, and the Coast must be safeguarded from political encroachment.
Party insiders argue that conceding these regions could dilute ODM’s identity and weaken its bargaining power in any future coalition arrangements.
National chairperson Gladys Wanga reiterated the party’s position, insisting that any engagement with UDA must be conducted on equal footing.