Make ODM stronger, Tim Wanyonyi rallies delegates

Nairobi ODM Chairperson aspirant and Westlands MP, Hon. Tim Wanyonyi, convened a crucial meeting with Parklands ward ODM delegates to strategize ahead of the upcoming grassroots elections scheduled for April 7th and 9th, 2025.

Addressing 210 delegates at the Westlands NG-CDF offices, Wanyonyi emphasized the importance of grassroots elections in strengthening ODM’s structures. He outlined the election process, stating that delegates would be responsible for electing sub-branch officials, a crucial step in solidifying ODM’s presence in Nairobi.

“We have come to speak about the grassroots elections of Parklands. You are the delegates who will vote for the sub-branch officials, and that is why it is an election,” Wanyonyi remarked.

He further explained that ODM utilizes three methods to elect officials, with consensus being one of them. However, for positions with multiple candidates, voting will be mandatory.

“You will sit as Parklands after this meeting and see if you can reach an agreement. If not, you will go to vote on April 7th,” he said, urging delegates to plan accordingly.

The election will involve eight key positions, each with a deputy, including Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Organizing Secretary. Wanyonyi encouraged delegates to elect competent individuals who can propel the party forward.

“We need to have one leader in each position. Elect people who can move the party to the next stage. Leadership comes at a cost; if you want to vie, you need to mobilize your resources and move forward,” he advised.

Wanyonyi highlighted Parklands as the largest ward in Westlands in terms of voter registration, though many voters originate from outside the area.

“Most of the people who work in Parklands prefer to vote here. You need to know who you vote for and critically evaluate their leadership qualities,” he noted.

The legislator also touched on concerns about the youth, particularly Gen Z, describing them as restless and frustrated. He urged leaders to listen to and guide them while advocating for the government to create an enabling environment for investment and job creation.

“We have to be worried about our Gen-Zs. They are restless, angry, and do not care. We have to listen to them because sometimes even parents do not know their own children. When their behavior explodes, it surprises us. Discipline is key, and the government must create an environment for people to invest and employ these young people,” he stressed.

The ODM grassroots elections, set to begin on April 7, 2025, will be conducted at the sub-branch (ward) and branch (constituency) levels.

The elections follow the polling unit elections held in November 2024 and will determine 77 officials across various committees, including the mainstream, women’s league, youth league, and disability league. ODM’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) has outlined that voting will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., either by consensus or through a show of hands.

Hon. Wanyonyi reaffirmed that the grassroots elections would set the stage for ODM’s national elections, urging party members to remain united and focused on strengthening the movement.

Also in attendance were Parklands MCA Tash Ndegwa, Nominated MCA Emma Isalambo and Mike Gumo (Minister of ICT, Nairobi County) , alongside other ODM grassroots leaders.