Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is unable to move to new Lavington offices after failing to raise the required cash.
The party has instead sought a three-month tenancy extension from its current landlord to raise funds to finance relocation.
ODM had last year acquired a Ksh170 million property at the Nairobi’s upmarket area and was to move from Orange House by December 31.
According to the Star, the move was hampered by lack of funds to fully acquire the new property, which will be owned by the party.
“So far the party has paid Ksh75 million and there is still pending a balance of Ksh95 million. We were to move out of the current Orange house on 31 of last month and because we were unable to raise the remaining amount, the party sought a three-month extension from Caroli which he agreed. We should be vacating by end of March.
“We are hoping for the government through the Registrar of Political Parties will give us some money to enable us to clear the balance,” a source intimated.
However ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen indicated that the relocation was delayed by what he only termed as ‘few distractions’ without giving details.
“We are still on course to move ... you know end of the year normally comes with distractions but we are moving. We have identified alternative space. There are just a few things to put in place,” he mentioned.
If the party acquires the property, it will be the only party operating from its own premises.
As of now, the Orange party is still stuck at its expansive headquarters on Menelik Road in Kilimani, which is owned by former Raila aide Caroli Omondi.
Caroli had last year, declined the renewal of the lease and gave the party up to the end of the year to vacate the premises, which it has occupied for nearly 12 years.
