ODM Addresses Claims of Spending Ksh100M to Ferry 6,000 Delegates to NDC

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly dismissed what it terms as “misleading and sensational” claims published by the The Standard Group regarding its recent National Delegates Conference.

The party accused the media house of deliberately misinforming the public over alleged expenditures and the number of delegates ferried to Nairobi.

According to the statement, ODM took issue with a headline alleging that the party transported 6,000 delegates to the capital for its conference held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at a cost of Ksh 100 million.

The party categorically rejected these claims, terming them false and baseless.

“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading and sensational headline published by The Standard Group alleging that ODM ferried 6,000 delegates to Nairobi, at a cost of Ksh 100 million,” the statement read.

It further added, “We wish to categorically state that these allegations are false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.”

Dispute Over Delegate Numbers

The ODM stated that its constitution has provided clear guidelines regarding the composition of the delegates who attend the National Delegates Conference.

The party stated that the maximum number of accredited delegates is capped at 3,000, thereby making the figure of 6,000 not only false but impossible.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the ODM Constitution is explicit on the composition of the National Delegates Conference. The required number of accredited delegates is 3,000; any figure above this is illegal,” the statement asserted.

The party questioned the origin of the inflated figures, stating, “It therefore begs the question: where did the figure of 6,000 delegates come from?”

ODM further accused the publication of recklessness, adding that such exaggerations point to, “a media house that is increasingly gaining a reputation for publishing propaganda.”

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Defense of Party Processes and Funding

Other aspect that ODM addressed in the press statement was the process and the funding of the processes.

ODM maintained that all the processes are conducted within the law and that they are funded through legitimate means.

The party reiterated that it is a national and democratic movement that has structures in all the 47 counties in the country and that the processes are conducted within the law and the constitution.

The statement read in part:

“ODM is a national, democratic movement with established structures across all 47 counties. Our internal processes, including delegates’ conferences, are conducted within the framework of our constitution and supported through legitimate party mechanisms.”

ODM further clarified that the funds for the processes are drawn from the members and the Political Parties Fund as provided for by the law.

Coalition Politics and 2027 Strategy

Aside from dealing with the media claims, ODM used the statement to focus on key outcomes from the conference, including leadership and political strategy.

The party confirmed the ratification of Raila Odinga as Party Leader following what it termed a historic and unanimous decision.

“The party, in a historic and unanimous decision, ratified Oburu Oginga as Party Leader following the passing of our Founding Leader, Raila Odinga,” the statement said.

ODM also revealed that the conference mandated the party leadership to begin coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.

It framed coalition politics as a long-standing and necessary approach in Kenya’s political landscape.

“Coalition building is neither new nor unusual in Kenyan politics. ODM has consistently demonstrated political maturity and pragmatism in forging alliances,” the statement read.

Addressing speculation about possible engagement with William Ruto, ODM maintained that any such interactions would be guided strictly by national interest and equality among stakeholders.

“In this context, any ongoing or prospective engagement with President William Ruto must be understood within the same framework of advancing national interests,” the party stated.

“ODM is an equal stakeholder in any political arrangement. We are not subordinate to any individual or formation,” the statement added.

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Call for Responsible Journalism

In conclusion, ODM urged all media stations to practice responsible journalism by adhering to ethical standards.

It included verifying the authenticity of the news prior to publication.

This call for responsible journalism was in response to the spread of false information in the country.

In its conclusion, ODM urged all media stations to practice responsible journalism by adhering to ethical standards.

This included verifying the authenticity of the news prior to publication.

The call for responsible journalism was in response to the spread of false information in the country.

In its conclusion, ODM reaffirmed its commitment to its mission and vision.

It reaffirmed its unity and mission by saying, “ODM remains steadfast, united, and focused on its mission to champion the aspirations of the Kenyan people. Tuko tayari!”

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