The new ODM secretariat that was picked by party leader Raila Odinga a few months ago has been urged to hold grass root elections in readiness for the 2017 general election.
Speaking at Mariba play grounds on Wednesday during a funeral service, several party youths who spoke said elections were essential for the party ahead of the general election that is expected to be a titanic battle between President Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga.
They said more youths should take over party leadership positions at the grass root level since they were energetic to drive the party agenda to the electorates.
“As youths we have waited for long to hear the new secretariat calling for elections but still there are no signs. This is the appropriate time to hold elections for stability of the party ahead of 2017,” said Andrew Kerauni.
“We are calling upon Secretary General Ababu Namwamba and his team to expedite the process if at all the party hopes to clinch leadership after failing in the last two elections. Youths are ready to take over the mantle and this is the right time,” he added.
They reiterated their position that national party leaders holding regional positions should relinquish their seats, comments which were seen to be targeting Timothy Bosire, who is the national treasurer and chairman of ODM in Nyamira.
“It is quite surprising that some people can hold up to three positions. This makes them inefficient and incapable to deliver. We call upon them to quit some positions,” said Timothy Omariba.