By Caroline Katana
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Kwale County has ushered in a new dawn after electing fresh leadership in peaceful grassroots elections, ending years of internal disputes that had stalled the party’s progress.
The elections, held on August 25, brought together members from across the four sub-counties of Matuga, Lungalunga, Msambweni, and Kinango.
Leaders described the exercise as a turning point for ODM in Kwale, setting the stage for a strong push towards the 2027 General Election.
Speaking after the elections at Mvindeni Social Hall, Kwale County Senator Issa Boy praised party members for embracing dialogue and unity during the polls.
“We had been divided for a long time, but today ODM Kwale has demonstrated maturity. Every sub-county has been represented in the new structure, and I sincerely thank our members for their commitment. I also salute outgoing chairman Hassan Mwanyoha, who has served for nearly twenty years, during which he upheld fairness and unity,” Senator Boy said.
Repeated Elections Conclude Peacefully
ODM Kwale coordinator James Nyakiti explained that the party had to conduct elections three times—on August 11, August 14, and finally on August 25—after earlier disputes.
“Despite the challenges, Kwale people have shown they are peaceful and committed to the party. We have been with ODM since 2005, and as it turns 20 years, we are determined to strengthen it from the grassroots to the county level,” Nyakiti noted.
Ruwa Takes the Helm
Former Kwale County Assembly Speaker and lawyer, Sammy Nyamawi Ruwa, emerged as the new ODM Kwale Chairman.
“For a long time, members yearned for an election that all would respect. Today, that dream has come true. My colleagues entrusted me with the chairmanship through consensus, and I pledge to consolidate the party from polling stations up to the county level. By 2027, ODM will reclaim every leadership seat in Kwale, just as we nearly did in 2013,” Ruwa said.
He emphasized that ODM was the only political vehicle for those aspiring to leadership in Kwale.
Kwale County ODM leaders pose for a photo
Mwanyoha Hands Over Leadership
Outgoing chair Hassan Mwanyoha, who led ODM Kwale for nearly 20 years, urged members to unite behind Ruwa.
“It has been a difficult journey from the grassroots to where we are today. My supporters should not worry because I remain the lion of ODM Kwale. I will work with the new chairman whenever called upon for advice. What matters now is transparency and unity,” Mwanyoha said.
Women and Youth Pledge Support
Ramisi Ward MCA Khanifa Mwajirani thanked ODM leader Raila Odinga for guiding the process.
“I appreciate being entrusted with the role of County Coordinating Secretary. I am fully committed to ensuring the party grows stronger and that members’ voices are safeguarded,” she stated.
Nominated MCA Hadija Ngala, re-elected to represent women within the party, promised to mobilize women for ODM ahead of 2027.
“Together with the new team, I will work with ODM women to restore the party’s dignity. To our rivals, be prepared—we are coming back stronger. In 2027, we will take the governorship, parliamentary seats, and ward positions, as we already have the senator and woman representative with us,” Ngala declared.
New Energy for 2027
Members described the elections as a rebirth for ODM Kwale, marking the start of a renewed drive to reclaim its political dominance in the region.
“This is a new awakening for ODM Kwale. We must now unite and work hard to return the party to its rightful place,” said Mwajirani.
With unity restored and a fresh team in charge, ODM Kwale leaders expressed confidence that the party is now firmly on course to sweep seats across the county in the next election.
