Junet Mohamed Dismisses Claims ODM Ferried 6,000 Delegates at Cost of KSh100 Million

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has firmly dismissed reports alleging that the party ferried 6,000 delegates to Nairobi for its National Delegates Conference at a cost of KSh 100 million.

In a strongly worded press statement, ODM described the claims—published by The Standard Newspaper—as “false, baseless, and deliberately misleading,” accusing the publication of propagating misinformation aimed at undermining the party’s credibility.

The party clarified that its constitution explicitly caps the number of accredited delegates at the National Delegates Conference at 3,000, stressing that any figure exceeding this threshold would be unlawful. ODM questioned the source and intent of the reported 6,000 delegates, terming the figure a gross exaggeration.

“Such claims are not only inaccurate but also reflect a reckless disregard for facts by a section of the media that appears increasingly inclined toward sensationalism,” the statement read.

ODM further defended its internal structures, noting that its operations—ranging from delegates’ conferences to broader party activities—are conducted strictly within constitutional and legal frameworks. The party added that its events are financed through legitimate channels, including member contributions and allocations from the Political Parties Fund.

The statement urged the public to focus on the substantive outcomes of the conference, highlighting the unanimous ratification of Raila Odinga as Party Leader following the passing of the party’s founding leader. It also noted that delegates mandated the leadership to initiate coalition-building efforts in preparation for the 2027 General Election.

On the question of potential political alignments, ODM stated that any engagement with President William Ruto would be guided by the broader national interest. The party emphasized that it remains an equal stakeholder in any political arrangement and is not subordinate to any individual or political formation.

Concluding its statement, ODM called on media houses to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and ethical responsibility in their reporting, warning against the dissemination of unverified and misleading information.