Kwale Woman Rep Fatuma Masito and other ODM members brief the media on the status of the party at Rockstarz Hotel in Msambweni, Kwale County on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Die-hard ODM members in Kwale County have called for unity among party members following a fiercely contested grassroots election for party officials.
Led by area Woman Representative Fatuma Masito, the members said that the elections were free and fair.
“The elections were well conducted and the results should not be the cause of division,” said Masito.
The MP urged those who were defeated to accept the outcome and join hands with the winners to advance the ODM agenda collectively.
In Kwale, the long-serving ODM chair, Hassan Mwanyoha, Sheikh Juma Ngao, and former Woman Representative Zuleikha Hassan faced off in a heated contest for the chairman position.
According to Woman Representative Masito, Mwanyoha put up a strong fight, emerging as the leading candidate against his opponents across all polling stations after his team got elected awaiting for their elections in the forthcoming election in the ward, branch ,county and national positions.
ODM member Omar Boga speaks to the media at Rockstarz Hotel in Msambweni, Kwale County on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Masito noted that, so far, none of the candidates has disputed the election results, adding that it is the right approach.
She urged the three leaders to unite their supporters and work together to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Masito stressed that ODM leaders must respect the will of the people and uphold the credibility of the party’s electoral process.
She urged members to rally behind Mwanyoha following his re-election and provide him with the necessary support to fulfill his mandate effectively.
Masito said that Mwanyoha’s leadership would be instrumental in steering the party toward its goals and ensuring it remains strong at the grassroots level.
The lawmaker said that the party’s grassroots elections should serve as a foundation for peace and unity, paving the way for the prosperity of ODM in the region.
Former Msambweni MP candidate Omar Boga called on ODM members to set aside their differences and unite for a common cause.
He said that the grassroots elections are now behind them and urged members to focus on strengthening the party for the future.
Boga expressed confidence that the party stands a better chance of forming the government in 2027 if its members remain loyal and work together in unity.
“ODM will form the next government, but we must first remain united,” said Boga.
Shaban Luchesi added that the ODM grassroots elections should serve as a warning shot to other political parties.
ODM member Shaban Luchesi speaks to the media at Rockstarz Hotel in Msambweni, Kwale County on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
He said that this time, the party’s grassroots elections were well-organized and urged members to prepare for tough campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Luchesi said that the coordination demonstrated by members during the grassroots elections is a clear indication that the party is prepared for greater challenges.
He said other parties must brace for a bruising battle in the next general elections.
Abdallah Tsuma commended supporters for turning out in large numbers to participate in the party elections.
He said that, regardless of the election outcomes, all members belong to the same party and should remain united without any division.
Tsuma encouraged those whose candidates did not win to accept the results as part of the democratic process.
He urged all members to stay focused on the party’s priorities and work collectively to strengthen ODM for future success.
Another member, Safina Hamza, urged those who were defeated in the grassroots elections not to abandon the party.
She said that their contribution remains vital, and leaving would only weaken ODM’s collective strength.
Hamza said that the future of the country lies with ODM party, calling on all members to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s vision.
She said that unity among members is essential for tackling the challenges ahead and ensuring the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.
She also encouraged dialogue and collaboration among members, stating that internal competition should not breed enmity instead, it should be a stepping stone to fostering resilience and teamwork within the party.
Hamza told the members that a united ODM has the potential to bring transformative leadership to the nation.
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