ODM Youths Demand Greater Say in Party Decisions, Launch ‘Tunataka Power’ Push

By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer

Speaking during the press ODM cocuse leadership youth league led by President Roseline Alionya emphasize 

Members of the ODM Youth League are stepping up their demand for a greater role in the party’s decision-making structures, calling for young people to have a stronger voice in shaping policy and determining the direction of the movement.

Echoed by Omondi , the youth say their campaign for greater influence is not a challenge to ODM’s established leadership or constitutional structures, but a call for meaningful participation within them.

“We are not asking anyone to bypass the constitution. We are asking that the conversation begins now,”

 Omondi said.

At the centre of the campaign is the push to transform the Youth League from a structure largely associated with political mobilisation during election periods into an active platform for policy development, political debate and leadership preparation.

ODM’s constitution provides for a Secretary for Youth Affairs, who must be aged 35 years or below and who also serves as the national chairperson of the Youth League.

The office is mandated to develop advisory opinions and papers on issues affecting young people, coordinate Youth League activities and promote party policies among the youth under the direction of the National Executive Committee.

ODM currently lists John Ketora as its Secretary for Youth Affairs

The youth campaigners, however, argue that their concerns extend beyond appointments, positions or visibility during election campaigns.

“We cannot have a Youth League that only becomes visible during elections,” 

Omondi said.

They want the youth wing to become a platform where young members can engage directly with emerging issues including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, smart cities, innovation, entrepreneurship, unemployment and the future of work.

The group says these issues should form part of ODM’s political conversation as the party seeks to engage a generation facing a rapidly changing economic and technological environment.

‘Age Is Not the Enemy’

The youth have also sought to distinguish their call for generational renewal from opposition to older members of the party.

The campaigners say they recognise the experience and contribution of ODM’s senior leaders but want the party to deliberately create opportunities for younger members to participate in decision-making, develop leadership skills and prepare to assume greater responsibility.

They point to ODM’s two decades in Kenya’s political arena, arguing that the party’s earlier struggles were closely associated with democracy, constitutionalism and social justice.

According to the youth, the generation now entering political leadership should be given an opportunity to contribute to what they describe as the next phase of the movement.

Their message is captured in the phrase “TUNATAKA POWER”, which they say should not simply be interpreted as a demand for political positions.

When we say

 TUNATAKA POWER, we mean the power to participate, influence policy, strengthen our movement and create a better economic future for our generation,” the statement says.

Youth Push ‘Third Wave’ Agenda

The youth have linked their campaign to what they describe as a “Third Wave” of political engagement, centred on economic liberation and greater participation by young people in shaping Kenya’s future.

They argue that political empowerment must go beyond election mobilisation to include meaningful participation in policy formulation, economic opportunities and leadership development.

“We are not asking for shortcuts,” the statement says.

This is not a revolt. It is a generational call.

The campaign now puts the spotlight on how ODM’s youth structures will respond to growing demands from young members seeking a more direct role in the party’s policy, organisational and leadership processes.

The headline can also be made more punchy and digital-media friendly, for example: “‘Tunataka Power!’ ODM Youths Demand Bigger Say in Party Decisions”.