ODM Schedules Party Primaries from Sept 24-27 for November By-Elections

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-12 14:00 EAT. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has set its party primaries for Wednesday, September 24 to Saturday, September 27, 2025, to select its candidates in upcoming by-elections. National Elections Coordinating Committee chairperson Emily Awita assured aspirants the process will be free, fair and transparent. 

1) The Latest

• What happened now: ODM officially announced the primaries dates and urged all interested party members in affected constituencies and wards to prepare for the internal contest. Direct nominations have already been issued in some areas where aspirants ran unopposed. 

• Why it matters: These primaries will determine ODM’s flagbearers in the November 27 by-elections, making them critical for party positioning ahead of the national electoral cycle. 

• Status: Confirmed. Some candidates have direct tickets; primaries for contested seats scheduled. 

2) Context in Brief

• The by-elections stem from vacancies caused by appointments, deaths, or seat annulments: for example, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi was appointed Cabinet Secretary; Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was killed. 

• ODM opened application submissions on September 1, 2025, for candidates in 13 constituencies and wards. Names include Ugunja, Kasipul, and several wards. 

• In wards/constituencies where only one aspirant emerged, direct nominations have been issued, eliminating the need for primaries in those places. 

3) Law, Policy, and Process

• Party rules: ODM’s internal nomination rules allow direct nominations when no contest arises. Primaries then apply where multiple aspirants exist.

• Elections Act / IEBC Gazette: IEBC has declared by-election dates for parliamentary and ward seats vacant in several areas via Gazette Notices. Parties must complete their nomination processes in line with IAEC / IEBC guidelines. 

• Next steps: Parties must submit candidate names and primary dates to IEBC by prescribed deadlines. ODM has also to ensure complaints mechanisms are in place for any disputes arising. 

4) Voices and Stakeholders

• Emily Awita, NECC-ODM: Reiterated that contested primaries will run from Sept 24-27 and promised transparency and fairness. 

• Directly nominated aspirants: Harrison Kombe (Magarini Constituency), Salimu Mohamed (Chewani Ward), Thomas Eshuya Oyolo (Kisa East Ward), Daniel Naikuni (Purko Ward), Letoluai Loisia (Angata Nyanyokie Ward), Feisal Gedi (Fafi Ward), Mohammed Yussuf (Naanam Ward) have already received direct nomination letters. 

• Aspirants in contested areas: Ugunja, Kasipul and other seats where more than one candidate is running will go through primaries. 

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks and Implications

• Intra-party tension: Contested primaries often lead to factionalism; loss could spark grievances.

• Logistical challenges: Ensuring all aspirants are aware, ready, and can campaign fairly in tight timelines.

• Legal / reputational risk: Claims of irregularities could taint party integrity.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Exact voter or delegate turnout expectations and whether it’s universal party membership or delegate-based primaries.

• How complaints will be handled internally and whether courts will be involved.

• How competition is distributed: which wards or constituencies have more aspirants and which are weaker contests.

8) Timeline

9) What to Watch

• Outcomes of contested primaries — who wins, margin of victory, voter turnout.

• Whether ODM handles direct nominations transparently to avoid internal backlash.

• IEBC’s role in accrediting candidates and monitoring primaries.

• Media coverage and civil society monitoring for fairness.