ODM Postpones Busia County Delegate Elections

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a last-minute postponement of its planned delegate elections in Busia County, which were scheduled to take place on Monday, 25 August 2025. 

The delay comes as the party launches its nationwide effort to elect county-level delegates in 43 counties. The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), chaired by Emily Awita, confirmed the postponement in an official statement, assuring ODM members and residents of Busia that revised dates will be communicated in due course.

Busia is considered a key ODM stronghold, with a history of active grassroots participation. The abrupt change has caused some uncertainty within the party, especially given the exclusion of four other counties—Nairobi, Migori, Homa Bay, and Kisumu—from this phase of the election process. The delay in Busia, however, is particularly notable as it was originally included in the current schedule.

Although ODM maintains that it is committed to running a transparent and orderly internal election, the lack of clarity surrounding the postponement has led to speculation over possible flaws in the party’s electoral framework. Observers warn that any disruption in Busia could affect not only candidate mobilisation but also confidence in the party’s broader efforts to restructure from the grassroots level.

Meanwhile, ODM has already begun accepting applications from aspiring delegates across the participating counties. Applicants are required to submit their forms through county offices and pay fees depending on the position sought. 

Non-executive delegate positions carry a Ksh1,000 fee, while representative roles in the youth, women, disability, and special interest groups cost Ksh2,500. Executive posts require Ksh5,000, with the chairperson role attracting a Ksh10,000 registration fee.