The opposition party Orange Democratic Movement has formally opened applications for members seeking to contest elective seats in Kenya’s 2027 General Election, setting the stage for what is expected to be an early and fiercely fought nomination season.
In a notice issued by the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee on Monday, ODM invited aspiring candidates to apply for six elective positions under the party ticket. These include president, governor, senator, woman representative, member of parliament and member of county assembly.
The applications will remain open until June 30.
The announcement comes at a politically delicate moment for ODM, which is grappling with internal divisions following the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga and growing disagreements over the party’s future direction.
In the notice signed by NECC chairperson Emily Awita, the party said the process would be guided by the ODM constitution and internal nomination rules. “Interested Party members seeking to contest in the 2027 General Elections on the ODM Party ticket” were encouraged to submit their applications through the party’s online platform, the statement read.
Party officials said applicants must meet a strict set of requirements before being cleared to run. Aspirants are required to be registered voters and fully paid-up ODM life members. They must also provide identification documents, tax compliance certificates, certificates of good conduct and academic papers where required by law.
The rules further state that aspirants must have maintained active party membership for at least six months before applying. ODM also barred politicians who recently defected from rival parties, saying applicants must not have changed political allegiance within the three months preceding the exercise.
The party has urged members to verify their registration details early through its membership platform to avoid disputes that have previously clouded ODM nominations in several counties.
Yet the opening of the application process is unfolding against the backdrop of intensifying wrangles inside the party.
ODM has in recent months split into rival camps aligned to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, exposing deeper tensions over leadership succession and control of the party machinery.
Earlier this month, James Orengo declared himself the party’s “de facto leader”, questioning what he described as irregular leadership changes following Mr Odinga’s death.
Political analysts say the early opening of applications may be aimed at restoring order within the party while projecting an image of stability ahead of the 2027 contest.
ODM remains one of Kenya’s most influential political movements, with a strong support base across several regions. But the coming nomination season is expected to test whether the party can manage internal competition without deepening existing fractures.
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