“The Report is False, Misleading,” Says ODM on Standard Newspaper’s KSh 100 m Delegate Claims

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has refuted reports by the Standard Newspaper alleging that the party spent KSh 100 million to ferry 6,000 delegates to its National Delegates Conference (NDC) in Nairobi on Friday, March 27, 2026.

In a statement, ODM described the allegations as false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and undermine the party’s credibility.

“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading and sensational headline published by The Standard Group alleging that ODM ferried 6,000 delegates to Nairobi for our National Delegates Conference on Friday, 27 March 2026, at a cost of KSh 100 million,” the statement read.

The party clarified that, according to the ODM Constitution, the National Delegates Conference requires 3,000 accredited delegates. Any figure above this limit is illegal, raising questions about the Standard’s claim of 6,000 participants.

ODM emphasized that all internal processes, including delegates’ conferences, are conducted within the framework of the party constitution and supported by legitimate party mechanisms. Funding comes from party members and legal allocations from the Political Parties Fund.

The statement accused the Standard of publishing exaggerated and reckless reports, adding that the coverage mischaracterizes ODM’s identity and political strength.

“The attempt to reduce a significant national political event into a narrative of regional mobilization and financial impropriety is not only irresponsible but also indicative of a broader agenda to misrepresent ODM. Even if The Standard seeks to highlight our political competitors, it must do so ethically and truthfully,” the party said.

ODM party delegates during a session of NDC meeting held at the Nairobi Showgrounds

ODM urged its members and the public to focus on the substantive outcomes of the NDC, including ongoing coalition discussions with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The party said such engagements are standard practice in Kenyan politics and are guided by the goal of advancing national interests.

The party also stressed that it is an equal stakeholder in any political arrangement and is not subordinate to any individual or formation.

ODM Minority Leader and National Assembly Director of Campaigns and Elections, Junet Mohamed, called on the media to uphold responsible journalism by verifying facts before publication and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims that mislead the public.