In a shocking move, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dismissed all election coordinators in Nairobi as it prepares for its highly anticipated grassroots elections next week.

On Wednesday, April 2, ODM’s Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, confirmed the removal of the chair of election coordinators in Migori and several in Siaya counties.

“This is a major shakeup. All county election coordinators in Nairobi have been fired. Additionally, the chair of coordinators in Migori and several from Siaya will be replaced. New coordinators will be announced before Saturday, April 7,” Sifuna revealed.

The party also confirmed the appointment of Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Mohamed as the new National Organizing Secretary, following the resignation of Abdisalan Ahmed, who stepped down to take up a position as Principal Secretary in the State Department for National Government Coordination.

“We wish Abdisalan Ahmed well in his new role after his vetting on Friday,” Sifuna stated.

ODM’s grassroots elections are set to kick off on Monday, April 7, with voting at the ward level across all 47 counties. Only delegates chosen at their respective polling units will be eligible to participate. On April 9, elected delegates will move on to the constituency level.

With all systems set, ODM’s Director of Communications, Phillip Etale, assured that the elections would run smoothly. “We are fully prepared for the elections, and we expect everything to proceed without a hitch,” he said.

The shakeup comes as ODM gears up to solidify its leadership ahead of the next phase of elections.