A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) grassroots mobilisers have regretted that the absence of former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho from the party activities is slowly making the party look ‘dull’ in Mombasa.
Speaking in Mombasa, the grassroots party members expressed their frustration with the party’s mode of operation within Mombasa ODM leadership which they say has sidelined them in a majority of activities.
Led by former Tudor member of Mombasa County Assembly Tobias Samba, they now want Joho who also doubles as the ODM party Deputy leader to actively take part in affairs and ensure it remains vibrant.
They now want to be recognised by the ODM party leadership since they can play key roles in mobilisation as the party embarks on a new member recruitment drive in Mombasa. Joho is said to be on holiday overseas.
Due to their grassroots presence, they say their influence will bring more members into the party basket.ODM targets to mobilise more members and subsequent voter increase as it repositions in the next election season.
“We are asking Joho to come back to the party because his absence is really affecting us, he used to give us direction but since he is absent, the officials have lost direction, we love the party and it pains us seeing its firm group dwindle,” said Samba.
Samba who is aspiring to unseat the current ODM Chairperson in Mombasa Mohamed Hamid Khamis now wants Odinga to ensure the party conducts fair elections, and should desist from handpicking leaders like before.
“We want the elections done fairly, the last time we had elections was a long time ago, the current leadership is not vibrant, that’s why we have joined the race to make it vibrant, we are very optimistic that ODM will rule again in the governor elections,” said Samba.
ODM installed Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s stepbrother Mohammed Hamid Khamis as the new Mombasa county chair in 2021. Dhee, as he is popularly known, replaced former nominated MCA and powerful Finance Committee Chair the late Mohammed Hatimy.
Hatimy, a close confidante of Joho and his go-to man, died of Covid-19 complications on November 14, 2020.
No handpicking
“Our aim is to strengthen the party, if someone, who is the top leader in Mombasa is selfish then it means he is bound to lose,” said Samba.
Betty Sharon, an aspirant for the women’s position, demanded that ODM conduct a democratic election, to pave the way for new members to join the party.They claim Mombasa governor has failed to stamp authority and ensure party activities are streamlined like what Joho did during his tenure.
“We want Raila to ensure there is no handpicking of individuals who should lead the party affairs, we want the party to ensure transparent and fair elections so that genuine office bearers can join office,” said Sharon.
The group applauded party leader Raila Odinga for taking the forefront in the ODM member recruitment drive.Raila was at the coast for six days to conduct a recruitment drive for new ODM membership.
“We need solid support in ODM, since Joho went to focus on his own affairs outside the country, we have seen a lot of challenges facing the party and those that should be addressed by Raila Himself, we feel some gaps in the ODM party leadership,” he added.
A section of the mobilisers who spoke to the media said they are going through hard times to mobilise new members while elected ODM leaders have sidelined them and have waited until Raila comes to Mombasa so they can join him.
“The party is not currently well, we have issues that should be addressed even as we prepare for elections, we know ODM means well for the party, and we expect as he goes around to recognise his soldiers who are facing challenges,” said Raphael Wakaya a resident and ODM party grassoots mobiliser from Ziwa La Ng’ombe, Mombasa.
Political plan
Odinga confirmed the massive membership recruitment drive started in November last year and will end in March, followed by elections in April and a subsequent national delegates meeting in June.
As the party seeks to redeem its dwindling image and strengthen it ahead of 2027, Odinga says the move is aimed at giving an opportunity to Kenyans from across the country to register as new members.
ODM has never attempted to conduct its elections since 2014 when a planned exercise at Kasarani aborted midway. Trouble started when a group of delegates led by a then nominated MP caused mayhem at the venue destroying ballot boxes and election materials.
