Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) grassroots election, April 27–30, 2024

Floods, April 2024 

In April 2024, Kenya experienced one of its worst flood events in decades, caused by heavy and prolonged rainfall during the March–May rainy season (IFRC Climate Centre 2024). The disaster affected more than 28 of Kenya’s 47 counties, displacing approximately 196,290 people from 33,100 households (Xinhua 2024). These floods came after five consecutive failed rainy seasons between 2020 and 2022 which had left the country in the grip of a prolonged drought (REACH 2024). 

Impact on the electoral process 

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) organized primary elections as a key part of its internal democratic process. These elections typically take place before the national elections to select the party’s candidates for various political offices, including parliamentary and governor seats every five years (ODM 2021). 

The first phase of ODM grassroots elections was initially scheduled for 27–30 April 2024, to select grassroots leaders in nine counties: Kwale, Busia, Siaya, Kajiado, Migori, Wajir, Kisii, Vihiga and Murang’a (Oduor 2024). However, on 26 April 2024, the Chairperson of the ODM National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), Emily Agnes Awita, announced the postponement of the elections due to severe flooding that had affected major counties such as Busia, Siaya, Kajiado and Wajir (InkaFM 2024; Kwama 2024). 

Ultimately the ODM grassroots elections were postponed for 215 days, with the new date set for 27 November 2024 (KBC 2024). In a notice to members, the NECC confirmed that the exercise would be conducted simultaneously across all polling units in the 47 counties (Capital FM 2024).