ODM calls strategy meeting to plot future

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is expected to hold a crucial meeting in Nairobi Thursday to plot its future and craft a winning formula ahead of the 2012 elections.

The party has invited more than 200 elected officials from the 47 counties for the meeting to be held at the Kenya Commercial Bank training school in Karen.

Each county will be represented by four delegates – the chair, secretary, women and youth leaders – in the meeting to be addressed by party leader Prime Minister Raila Odinga. All the party MPs and other leaders are also expected to attend.

Secretary General Anyang Nyong’o, at a news conference at Orange House - the party’s headquarters - said Wednesday that the meeting is being held to consolidate the ODM’s support ahead of the elections to be expected later in the year.

Prof Nyong'o said the party will be seeking to use the meeting to revitalise its position as a champion of democratic values and the fight against corruption and nepotism.

“Even though the dates of the general elections have not yet been announced, we have to be prepared. This is the first major step we are taking as a party towards this goal,” said Prof Nyong’o.

“We will discuss with the new leaders the status of the party, at the end of the day; we want them to be ready for takeoff…that’s why the theme of our meeting is coming up with a winning strategy for ODM."

He was flanked by the party’s executive director Janet Ongeri, the elections board secretary Joseph Misoi amongst other officials.

ODM, which recently held grassroots elections termed by critics as controversial, will be facing the next election after losing some of the support it enjoyed in 2007.

The PM and ODM are also struggling to recover from a fallout in the party following a walk-out by a group led by co-deputy leader William Ruto, which has left a big dent in the movement in parts of Rift Valley.

However, Prof Nyong’o said the recent controversies surrounding the grassroots elections will not stop the party from conducting its affairs.

ODM is set to repeat party grassroots elections in at least six counties whose elections were marred with violence.

“In the areas where the leadership of the party is still being contested, we have our own internal mechanisms to resolve the grievances. Such grievances should not stop the party from moving on,” he said.

He said after the meeting, the party will be moving ahead to educate Kenyans on the electoral process, including encouraging them to register as voters. It will also be pressing the Immigration and Registration of Persons Ministry to issue more Kenyans with Identity Cards in readiness for the polls.

"We want to spearhead proper leadership in the country. Our leaders should preach unity in order to avoid problems like those that occurred after the 2007 general elections. We do not want politics of mudslinging or abuse," he said.