The planned delegates’ elections for the Orange Democratic Movement in Kisumu County will not take place as scheduled after party leader Oburu Oginga ordered their cancellation, pointing to concerns about the current political situation in the area.
In a letter dated March 6, 2026 and addressed to the chairperson of the ODM Party National Elections Coordination Committee, Oburu directed that the exercise that had been planned for Friday be called off.
“Following the prevailing polarised environment informed by intelligence, I have made a decision to inform you to cancel the elections slated for tomorrow, Friday,” the letter reads in part.
Oburu, who is also the senator for Siaya County, asked the committee to act on the directive and ensure that all relevant parties are informed about the decision.
The exercise was meant to elect party delegates in Kisumu County, a process that forms part of the party’s internal structures and preparations for future political programmes. So far, the ODM elections committee has not indicated when the postponed exercise will be conducted.
The development comes at a time when the party is working to reorganise and strengthen its grassroots leadership across different counties.
Earlier this week, members of the ODM Parliamentary Group met and endorsed several decisions touching on the party’s leadership and future political direction.
According to a statement released after the meeting, the legislators received updates on recent party activities, examined programmes expected to take place within and outside Parliament, and discussed positions on key issues likely to arise.
The meeting took place on March 3, 2026 and was chaired by Oburu. It was described as the first Parliamentary Group meeting since the one addressed by former party leader Raila Odinga at the Argyle Hotel on September 22, 2025.
Following what the statement described as open discussions, the lawmakers backed all recent resolutions made by the party’s Central Committee and National Executive Committee.
Among the major outcomes was approval of a decision by an emergency NEC meeting to formally install Oburu as the ODM Party Leader.
The legislators also supported a Central Committee resolution backing the existing working relationship between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance.
In addition, the Parliamentary Group endorsed a proposal allowing the party to enter structured talks with UDA aimed at forming a coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The lawmakers further supported a move by party organs to seek compensation for individuals who suffered election related human rights abuses in the past. They committed to working with partners and considering other possible approaches to ensure the matter is handled quickly and brought to a conclusion.
In another decision, the MPs endorsed a resolution by relevant party organs for ODM to exit the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
They also backed a plan by the National Executive Committee to hold a special National Delegates Convention on March 27, 2027.