Raila demands justice for police brutality victims as ODM seeks to revamp grassroots support
ODM officials said the ongoing consultations would culminate in a comprehensive position paper that will guide the party’s future political direction.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has launched a series of grassroots consultations as the party embarks on a strategic realignment to strengthen its political base amid growing concerns over a possible deal with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The consultative meetings kicked off in Mombasa County on Saturday, just days after ODM leader Raila Odinga held a closed-door meeting with President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa, sparking speculation of possible political realignments.
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Odinga, who demanded justice for victims of police brutality, met with ODM branch officials at the Mombasa governor’s office where discussions focused on the high cost of living, corruption, devolution and the state of the economy, key issues that have dominated the country's political discourse.
The meeting, led by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir who is the ODM deputy party leader, marked the beginning of a series of grassroots engagements expected to shape the party’s policy direction.
Governor Abdulswamad said the consultations were part of efforts to give ODM members at the grassroots a voice in shaping the party’s agenda.
“This is a consultative meeting where the party leader came to Mombasa to speak with grassroots officials. We agreed that he should move across the country to listen to the voices of our people so that we understand what is happening and what needs to be done going forward,” said Abdulswamad.
“Mombasa is part of the counties to hold such a meeting and its voice will be added to those of Kilifi, Homa Bay, Nyeri and other counties across the country to ensure that our party takes a unified position based on the views of all our members,” he said.
Participants at the ODM grassroots meeting in Mombasa on March 1, 2025. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Redefine ODM agenda
The ODM leadership is under pressure to redefine its agenda following months of anti-government protests under the Azimio la Umoja coalition and last year’s Gen Z-led demonstrations against police brutality and the high cost of living.
Odinga acknowledged the frustrations of many Kenyans, blaming corruption and poor governance for the deteriorating economic situation.
“Kenyans are burdened by the high cost of living, yet they continue paying taxes. Prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed and the economy is deteriorating. Corruption has impoverished the nation while tribalism continues to deny people equal opportunities in public service,” Odinga said.
“We want to see resources shared fairly without discrimination based on tribe or region. This is the kind of Kenya we have been fighting for, and we will not relent,” Odinga stated.
The ODM leader also called for a review of devolution funding, saying the national government was frustrating the delivery of essential services by withholding resources meant for county governments.
“We fought for devolution to bring services closer to the people, but what we are seeing today is disappointing. There are constitutional services that are supposed to be handled by counties, but the funds are not being disbursed,” he said.
ODM leader Raila Odinga with deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir during the meeting in Mombasa on March 1, 2025. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Police brutality
Odinga further demanded justice for victims of police brutality during the anti-government protests, urging the government to compensate the families of those who were injured or killed.
“The youth who were injured and the families of those killed during the Azimio and Gen Z protests must be compensated. This is one of the conditions we want to see fulfilled,” he said.
ODM officials said the ongoing consultations would culminate in a comprehensive position paper that will guide the party’s future political direction as it seeks to reconnect with its support base and address the social and economic challenges facing Kenyans.
The nationwide tour is expected to extend to other regions, with Odinga promising to prioritise grassroots voices in shaping ODM's next phase of political engagement.
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