The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has issued a statement directed at the newly formed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) team and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a statement on July 17, ODM leadership in Nairobi commended the government for the full reconstitution of the IEBC, after a long struggle accompanied by attempts of ‘sabotage’.
The Party told IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon and his team to prepare to deliver a transparent election in 2027.
ODM told politicians opposed to President William Ruto to challenge him in the ballot.
“We urge the newly constituted IEBC to immediately embark on preparations to hold free, fair and credible elections in 2027,” ODM said.
“We call on all politicians who are dissatisfied with President Ruto and his government to prepare to face him at the ballot under the new IEBC in 2027. There will be no shortcuts to power.”
ODM recommitted to supporting the Broad-Based Government and President Ruto under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between him and Raila.
The Party said it remains committed to the constitutional transfer of power through the ballot.
“We distance ourselves from and condemn any efforts aimed at regime change by any other means, including violence and sabotage of government activities. ODM will never be a party to any such arrangements nor be associated with actors harbouring such plans,” ODM said.
Saba Saba Protests
Further, ODM condemned the acts of lawlessness that led to massive looting and destruction of businesses, public institutions, injuries to innocent citizens and loss of lives in some cases in Nairobi.
The leaders asked the government to conduct a probe to identify, apprehend and punish the people behind the looting and raping that happened during the protests.
Besides, the Party said the government must take action on security officers seen to have overreacted and brutalized citizens in the bid to contain the riots.
“The party commends all its members, and indeed all city residents who chose peace and kept off the protests. It is our stand that what was witnessed were not a commemoration of Saba Saba but an attempt by a section of leaders to hide behind Saba Saba to settle political scores with President Ruto,” ODM said.
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National Unity and Cohesion
ODM emphasized that it remains committed to promoting national unity and stability.
The party also underscored the importance of creating a conducive environment to enable the government to swiftly address the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.
“We believe that despite any differences we may have, working together as Kenyans, we can seize this moment to usher our country into a new era of hope,” read another part of the statement.
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Politicians Fighting Ruto’s Govt
ODM also accused a section of leaders of deliberately sabotaging Ruto’s administration.
The leaders asked investigative agencies to arrest such leaders for their actions.
“We condemn the inflammatory rhetoric and actions by some leaders that are clearly aimed at undermining the government and making the country ungovernable. We call on the authorities to investigate and take action against such conduct.”
County Allocation
Further, ODM commended the government for releasing all monies due to counties as the 2025/26 financial year begins.
According to the leaders, the milestone is an indication of what the Broad-Based Government can achieve in all other areas, given time, support and a conducive environment.
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