The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has postponed its grassroots elections amid the ongoing heavy rains that have disrupted the day-to-day activities in several parts of the country.
In a statement signed by Emily Agnes Awita, Chairperson of the National Elections Coordinating Committee, the decision was arrived after receiving requests from Busia, Siaya, Kajiado and Wajir counties whose areas have been marooned by flood water.
The elections, which were scheduled for the 27th, 29th and 30th April 2024, have since been postponed indefinitely.
"The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) has received requests from Busia, Siaya, Kajiado, and Wajir counties where large sections of the respective counties are experiencing floods and related challenges occasioned by ongoing heavy rains for the review of its programme for the First Phase of ODM grassroots elections," the statement read in part.
"Having reviewed the ground situation and assessed the requests, the NECC wishes to announce that the elections scheduled for 27th, 29th and 30th April 2024 are temporarily postponed as we assess the situation. These will resume as soon as the situation has improved."
ODM, however, called for the party to continue with logistical preparations before the new dates are announced.
"Any inconvenience is regretted as we stand in solidarity and sympathy with our members and Kenyans affected by the adverse weather conditions."
In recent weeks, the country has been battered by heavy rains, resulting in travel disruptions and leaving numerous Kenyans displaced from their homes.
As the situation deteriorated in the following days, the national government directed residents living in riparian lands to evacuate as a precautionary measure for their safety.
Moreover, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced plans to issue daily alerts to inform Kenyans about flooded areas that pose potential dangers.
The Raila Odinga-led party has been positioning itself to succeed the incumbent regime in the 2027 General Election, calling for Kenyans to join the movement.
In the recent National Governing Council, the party leader called for a united front in capturing the presidency in 2027 and dispelled rumours of disquiet in ODM.
