By S, KNA
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth League Mombasa chapter has dispelled disquiet over internal party divisions, describing disagreements witnessed recently as a healthy democratic process while urging young people across the country to register as party members.
Speaking at a press conference in Mombasa, ODM Youth League Mombasa Chairperson, Hamza Kombo, emphasized that the party’s democratic structures remain intact despite perceived turmoil within the movement.
“The unrest seen in ODM is part and parcel of democracy. Any party where people are not free to speak out and air their opinions is not a democratic party,” Kombo stated, adding that ODM was built to defend democratic principles.
He clarified that the party’s institutional hierarchy, led by Party Leader, Oburu Oginga, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and Deputy Party Leaders including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, remains firmly in place and commands the respect of party members.
“At the National Governing Council (NGC), we reaffirmed the position that these leaders shall guide us. We believe they will offer good guidance that has the blessing of former party leader Raila Amolo Odinga,” Kombo said.
The youth leader called on young Kenyans to join ODM as full-fledged members to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 General Election, asserting that the party offers genuine leadership opportunities for the youth.
“As the youth, we are the engine and the foundation of the party. Our voice and our numbers drive our party forward,” he said, expressing confidence that ODM will reclaim political seats across all levels in the next election.
ODM Youth League Mombasa Treasurer, Hassan Athman Bangwe, reinforced the call for youth mobilization, noting that ODM values young people and opens real doors to leadership.
“We call on our fellow youth in Kenya to register as ODM members. This party is in safe hands under the current leadership,” Bangwe said.
Changamwe Sub-County ODM Youth League Chair’ Valentina Riziki’ echoed the sentiments, urging youth in Mombasa and across the country to register with ODM, describing it as the only party that genuinely cares for young people.
The youth leaders celebrated the party’s recent electoral victories in by-elections held in Kasipul, Magarini, and Unguja constituencies, which they described as evidence of continued public confidence in the movement.
Bangwe congratulated the party on the resounding victories, particularly highlighting the election of Boyd Were in Kasipul, who became Kenya’s youngest Member of Parliament at the age of 27 years.
“These wins reaffirm the unwavering confidence Kenyans continue to place in our beloved Orange Democratic Movement,” he said, crediting the party’s National Chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga for championing Were’s candidature.
The youth league also thanked coastal region ODM leadership, including Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, and Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho, for coordinating successful campaigns in the region.
Kombo reaffirmed the coastal region’s allegiance to CS Joho, stating that through the leadership of Joho and Governor Nassir, the region will build the party and reclaim political seats in 2027.
Secretary General, Ali Athman praised the party for trusting youth leadership, as demonstrated by Were’s victory, and acknowledged President William Ruto’s administration for not fielding United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates in ODM strongholds during the by-elections.
“We appreciate the broad-based government partnership for this act of solidarity. Such cooperation strengthens democracy and promotes national unity,” Athman said.
