The generational torch is flickering within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). In a bold declaration that signals a shift in party dynamics, the ODM Youth League has thrown its full weight behind calls for pre-election negotiations, asserting that the era of single-party dominance is dead.

Speaking from Machakos, Youth League President John Ole Ketora did not mince his words. He aligned the youth wing with the party elders, specifically supporting Dr. Oburu Odinga’s recent overtures for a broad-based coalition. However, this support comes with a caveat: the youth will no longer be foot soldiers; they demand to be generals. Ketora’s statement is a strategic maneuver to ensure that as the party negotiates its future, the interests of its largest demographic are not traded away in backroom deals.

The Coalition Imperative

Ketora’s argument is pragmatic and reflects the fractured reality of Kenyan politics. "There is no single party that can rule this country," he declared. "There must be negotiations and coalitions." This admission from a key party organ suggests that ODM is preparing for a post-Raila Odinga future where alliances, rather than charisma alone, will determine electoral success.

The Youth League’s demands are specific and structural:

• Central Committee Seats: They have forwarded two names—a male and a female representative—for immediate inclusion in the party’s Central Committee. "We are the majority and must be heard," Ketora insisted.
• Debt Recovery: The league is also turning up the heat on the National Treasury, demanding the release of Sh12 billion owed to the party. This war chest is seen as vital for mobilizing the grassroots ahead of 2027.
• Leadership Endorsement: They have backed Catherine Omanyo’s nomination as acting Secretary-General, signaling a preference for leaders who are responsive to the youth agenda.

A New Power Center?

This development points to the emergence of the Youth League as a distinct power center within ODM. By conditioning their support for the coalition talks on inclusion, they are leveraging their numbers to force internal reforms. It is a gamble that could either revitalize the party or deepen its internal rifts.

As the political chessboard is reset for 2027, the "Young Turks" of ODM are making it clear: they are ready to negotiate, but they will not be ignored. The message to the party hierarchy is simple—adapt to the youth wave, or risk being swept away by it.