ODM indefinitely postpones its planned grassroots elections
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has announced that its grassroots elections will not go on as planned.
In a statement on Friday, April 26, 2024, the chairperson of ODM's National Elections Coordinating Committee Emily Agnes Awita explained that the party halted its planned grassroots elections because of floods.
Awita said the party organ received requests to stop the exercise in Busia, Siaya, Kajiado and Wajir Counties.
"The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) has received requests from Busia, Siaya, Kajiado, and Wajir counties where large sections of the respective counties are experiencing floods and related challenges occasioned by ongoing heavy rains for the review of its programme for the First Phase of ODM grassroots elections.
Having reviewed the ground situation and assessed the requests, the NECC wishes to announce that the elections scheduled for 27th, 29th and 30th April 2024 are temporarily postponed as we assess the situation," Awita said.
ODM's National Elections Coordinating Committee chairperson added that the grassroots elections will resume without giving definite dates for the exercise.
"These will resume as soon as the situation has improved," Awita said.
Adding that; "Meanwhile, the county coordinating committees should continue with logistical preparations for the same. Any inconvenience is regretted as we stand in solidarity and sympathy with our members and Kenyans who are affected by the adverse weather conditions."
First phase
ODM had on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, announced that the first phase of its grassroots elections would go in nine counties.
"That the first phase of the grassroots elections will proceed as planned in the following counties: a) Saturday, April 27, 2024; Kwale, Busia, and Siaya Counties; b) Monday, April 29, 2024; Kajiado, Migori, and Wajir Counties; and c) Tuesday, April 8, 2024: Kisii, Vihiga, and Murang'a Counties," ODM announced on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
More rain
The Kenya Meteorological Department warned Kenyans to expect more rainfall in the coming days.
In an advisory shared on Thursday, April 25, 2024, the weatherman said the ongoing rains will persist across different parts of the country including the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Southeast lowlands the northern and the coast.
The met department also noted that the rains will persist from Friday, April 26 to Saturday, April 27, and are likely to be accompanied by gusty winds.
