Westlands MP and seasoned ODM leader Tim Wanyonyi has officially declared his bid for the Nairobi ODM Chairperson seat ahead of the party’s grassroots elections set for April. As a three-term MP and a key figure in ODM politics, Wanyonyi is positioning himself as the candidate to revamp the party’s structure and ensure loyal members are rewarded.
Speaking during ODM delegates’ meetings in Kangemi and Mt View wards, Wanyonyi highlighted the party’s decline in Nairobi, attributing it to leadership that has remained stagnant for over 15 years. He pledged to reinvigorate ODM in the city, emphasizing grassroots mobilization and fair representation in party nominations.
“As the chairman of Nairobi, I will ensure faithful ODM followers in the city are rewarded with opportunities, especially in nominated MCA slots within the Nairobi County Assembly,” he stated.
He also stressed that areas electing ODM leaders should be prioritized for nomination slots, reinforcing his commitment to strengthening the party’s influence across Nairobi.
The ODM grassroots elections will commence in April following the successful polling unit elections conducted on November 27, 2024. According to the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), sub-branch (ward) elections will take place on Monday, April 7, while branch (constituency) elections will follow on Wednesday, April 9.
The elections will see the selection of 77 officials at both the sub-branch and branch levels, covering four key committees: Mainstream, Women’s League, Youth League, and PWDs League. Delegates will vote through consensus or a show of hands, with polls running from 10 AM to 2 PM.
To participate, delegates must have been elected at the polling unit level and completed their KES 100 registration fee payment. Applications for aspirants open on March 20 and close on March 31, 2025, via the ODM Party app or USSD *483*036#.
Wanyonyi urged ODM officials and grassroots leaders to remain active in mobilization efforts, reinforcing the importance of unity and respect for election outcomes. He encouraged youth under 34 years to actively seek leadership positions and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the party.
“As a senior party member, I am here to stay. No one will push me out of ODM,” he declared, signaling his long-term dedication to the party’s future.
The meetings saw the attendance of Kangemi MCA Hamisi Maleya and Mt View MCA Maurice Ochieng, both ODM-elected leaders, alongside former ODM nominated MCA Carolyn Mayunzu.