ODM Clarifies No Repeat Elections Planned in Kakamega

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially dismissed circulating reports that the party has called for a repeat of its County Coordinating Committee elections in Kakamega County. In a statement released on September 12, 2025, via social media, the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) emphasised that no additional or repeat vote has been scheduled for the county committee.
The announcement comes after intense local contestation involving the party’s recent county‑chair election held on September 1 at Ikolomani KMTC, where Governor Fernandes Barasa was declared winner. Reports had circulated suggesting the process would be nullified and a second election called amid disagreements over the voting method—specifically between using a secret ballot or the queue ( mlolongo ) system. Barasa’s chief rival, Nabii Nabwera, had protested the procedure, alleging bias and protocol violations.
The clarification is being seen as an attempt to stabilise the party’s internal operations ahead of critical upcoming elections. Party officials reiterated that members should disregard any information suggesting otherwise and rely solely on official communications issued by the NECC. The reaffirmation aims to reassure delegates and potential candidates of the integrity of the process and assure that ODM does not intend to rerun the election in spite of local tensions.
Looking ahead, the party’s national and county leadership will face pressure to ensure smooth implementation of the affirmed results and avoid further disputes that could undermine confidence in delegate votes. With intra‑party competition still simmering, how ODM handles fallout from the recent election will be closely watched—especially in the run‑up to the 2027 general election, when party cohesion could prove decisive in one of Western Kenya’s key political battleground