ODM badly in need of fresh ideas, leadership

By DENISE KODHE

Party elections to be held next month in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) can help rejuvenate the party and will allow members to elect much needed new and younger leaders to propel the party to the next level.

It will also ease the old guards out of leadership of the party. Even though ODM remains the most popular party as per the last opinion polls, it is prudent that new leadership is given the chance to run the party, nurture democratic ideals and to provide a level playing ground for everybody member.

 Restructuring and revamping of the party is necessary if it has to compete with the United Republic Party (URP) and The National Alliance Party (TNA) in the Jubilee coalition government of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.  In order for ODM to keep Jubilee government in check and also to compete effectively in the 2017 general elections, ODM must be vibrant and strong.

Even though CORD lost the General Election last year to Jubilee with a small margin, ODM as a member of the coalition still has the potential to turn this around if it changes its tactics, especially leadership and strategy.  President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto should not take it for granted that ODM is dead and buried, and therefore 2017 and beyond will just be a walkover for The National Alliance (TNA) and United Republican Party (URP).  Kenya has nearly fifty ethnic communities, including minorities such Kenyan Asians and whites.

Political strategy can change any time, sweeping the Jubilee government out of power even before they finish their first term.  A lot will depend on how Jubilee runs the Government and how Uhuru and Ruto conduct themselves as President and Deputy President respectively. Jubilee’s boast of leading Kenya for 20 years and beyond is far-fetched and a dream.

However the current leadership of ODM requires urgent change and revamping. Party posts should not be pegged on sycophancy or determined by ethnic or regional interests, but ability and experience.

Leadership is not about pleasing Nyanza, Western, Coast or whatever region where ODM has support. It is about sound leadership acumen and delivery. Any attempt to polarise the party or make it tribal or regional will automatically kill it.  Many party members still believe in ODM and are committed to its ideals and success, but a lot will depend on how the party elects its new leaders and how the latter manage the party.

Raila Odinga as the party leader of ODM should ensure that leaders of the party have merit, are sound and able to give the party new direction. He should also ensure that they are elected democratically, to avoid divisions and defections from the party. It is a reality that some old guards in the party are spent forces and should retire.

Younger leaders are energetic and vigorous. They will be able to keep Jubilee on its toes since the Government is not performing up to the expectations of most Kenyans. 

Selection of party leaders by party “owners” as has always been the case with political outfits in Kenya, will not help rejuvenate ODM. In fact such actions will destroy the good spirit of political participation and multi-party democracy. ODM “owners” should not make such mistakes if they wish to save the party.

Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o should be complimented for clearly understanding the feeling of party members. However, “Young Turks” should not just be elected to position of leadership simply because of their age. Leadership is about skill and delivery and less to do with age, experience, loyalty and tribe. ODM party members should evaluate carefully and critically those seeking leadership.

The purpose and intention of a political party is to take power by winning elections. It will be a grave mistake by party members and “owners” to endorse or elect leaders of questionable integrity.

Most ODM members and supporters across the country were disappointed when CORD lost to Jubilee in last year’s elections. They are convinced that the main reason was bad leadership within the constituent parties of the coalition, with ODM at the top of the list. They also singled out poor planning and lack of a clear and winning strategy.

Party leaders did not listen to members, made too many assumptions, ignored all strategic advice and allowed things to disintegrate at a crucial time when unity was critical.

The writer is Executive Director, Institute for Democracy & Leadership in Africa.