NAIROBI, Kenya — The race for Kenya’s 2027 General Election has gained fresh momentum after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) formally opened nominations for aspirants seeking party tickets across all elective seats, including the presidency.
In a notice issued by the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee, ODM confirmed that applications are now open for candidates interested in contesting positions ranging from President, Governor, Senator, County Woman Representative, Member of Parliament and Member of County Assembly.
The party said the nomination exercise will be guided by its constitution and internal electoral rules, with the application window running until June 30, 2026.
Aspirants have been instructed to submit applications through ODM’s official online portal. Members have also been directed to verify their party registration details by dialling 483036# as part of the vetting process ahead of nominations.
“To guarantee a credible process, we urge our party members to continuously engage the National Elections Coordinating Committee for any clarifications,” the notice stated.
The announcement comes amid heightened political realignments in Kenya’s opposition and ruling coalition camps as preparations for 2027 elections intensify.
It follows earlier developments within the ruling United Democratic Alliance, where its National Executive Committee reportedly authorised President William Ruto to spearhead structured engagement with ODM leadership under emerging coalition talks linked to the Kenya Kwanza framework.
That move signalled growing political recalibration between rival camps, with analysts interpreting it as part of early positioning ahead of a potentially competitive 2027 contest.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting in Nairobi in January and chaired by President Ruto, UDA acknowledged ODM’s internal discussions on structured negotiations aimed at strengthening political cooperation ahead of the polls.
The NEC further resolved to empower the party leader to coordinate formal engagement mechanisms with ODM, effectively opening the door to coalition-building discussions.
At the electoral management level, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has also stepped up preparations for the 2027 vote, with renewed focus on voter registration, technology upgrades and electoral integrity.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the commission is committed to delivering a transparent and credible election, urging Kenyans to actively participate in safeguarding the democratic process.
“This is a new commission with a new philosophy. We believe in being open to Kenyans because there is nothing we are hiding. We will do our job as guided by the Constitution and the law,” Ethekon said.
The commission has already deployed more than 12,000 staff nationwide to support ongoing mass voter registration. It is also conducting civic mobilisation campaigns to encourage registration, particularly among young and first-time voters.
IEBC projects that the voter register could rise from 22.1 million in 2022 to about 28.5 million by 2027, while polling stations are expected to increase from 46,229 to nearly 55,000.
Also Read: Orengo accuses Ruto of ‘buying ODM’ as bitter succession war explodes inside party
To strengthen the credibility of the register, the commission is introducing enhanced biometric systems, including iris scanning alongside fingerprint capture, aimed at reducing duplication and improving accuracy.
“The Register is the foundation of any election. We cannot compromise its integrity,” Ethekon said.
He also warned against electoral violence, referencing Kenya’s 2007–2008 post-election crisis, which left hundreds dead and displaced thousands.
“We must pray that the events of 2007 never return. Elections must never again lead to such suffering,” he said.
Ethekon further noted that recent by-elections had exposed persistent challenges, including voter bribery, violence and political interference, despite overall improvements in electoral management.
