Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader Raila Odinga announced that the party is actively recruiting new young members.
Speaking in Tiribe, Kwale County, Odinga noted that young people will be the success of ODM in 2022 and beyond as he encouraged them to register.
The ODM leader admitted that the party is full of old people who would be instrumental in guiding the younger members. He stated that they would actively campaign for young people in ODM who decide to vie in 2022.
Odinga encouraged young people to join ODM at a time when the party is facing strong opposition from Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and its "hustler movement" agenda.
“We have old members of our party. What we are doing is allowing an opportunity for the younger people to also join the party so that they can meaningfully participate in the planning and management of the party as we head into the polls,” Odinga stated.
“This registration is a process of inclusion to bring new blood into the party so that they can join and work together with the older members to make the party stronger," he continued.
Barely a week ago comedian Felix Oduor alias Jalang'o joined ODM where he was given lifetime membership. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna presided over the ceremony at Chungwa House in Nairobi after the two had an interview.
“Comedian and radio presenter Felix Odhiambo Odiwuor aka Jalang’o today officially joined the biggest political movement in the country. He was handed the Life Membership certificate by SG @edwinsifuna. We keep marching on #TukoTayari,” ODM tweeted.
During an interview on NTV, Jalang’o announced he will vie for the Lang'ata parliamentary seat in the 2022 General Election.
The comedian stated he was confident he would win and he appealed to the youth to join him in changing and making Lang’ata great again.
“I am going to be the next MP of Langata. Youths change your votes. Come and vote for us to build a new Langata. I am campaigning for myself. I am very serious, I am the next MP of Langata. Mark this day. I don’t go for things I can’t get. And once I have I said it…. start getting used to your future MP,” Jalang'o stated.
“Btw (by the way) there is no running away from this....up to the ballot box! All dreams are valid! God got us on this!! Started from the bottom now we are here and we are not stopping! See you at the finish line! The streets that we walked on hungry with no hopes are the streets that have our billboards!! Even this will come to pass!!” he added.
