ODM Sets Record Straight After Document Sparks Confusion Over Youth League Leadership

By Linet Amuli - Reporter

Kenya, November 15 2025 - The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has moved to dispel confusion over who leads its Youth League after conflicting information circulated during a party event in Mombasa.

A document shared at ODM’s 20th-anniversary celebrations on Friday listed political activist Kasmuel McOure as the Youth League President, an assertion that quickly raised eyebrows among party supporters and officials.

In a statement issued early Saturday, ODM dismissed the publication as inaccurate, stressing that Johnmark Ketorah remains the duly recognized Youth League President.

“Honourable Johnmark Ketorah is the president of the ODM Youth League. Any document suggesting otherwise should be disregarded,” the party clarified.

The misleading publication had named several individuals as holders of various party positions, including McOure in the youth leadership role. This prompted fresh debate about ODM’s internal structure and the legitimacy of the document in circulation.

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Although McOure is a visible and active youth mobilizer within ODM, the activist has not been officially appointed to any senior leadership position. In 2024, he was selected by Raila Odinga to join the party’s youth and student league, where he has been involved in engaging young supporters.

Ketorah, meanwhile, has held the Youth League presidency since 2016 following his endorsement by fellow youth leaders and formal approval by the National Executive Council (NEC). During his tenure, he has played a central role in strengthening the party’s outreach to young people.

The clarification comes just days after ODM announced several leadership changes, including the endorsement of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as party leader. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osoti were also confirmed as deputy party leaders.

Illustration of a vibrant ODM Youth League rally in Mombasa, Kenya, under an orange sunset sky. Johnmark Ketorah, in a suit, stands at a podium holding an official document and raising his hand triumphantly, as diverse young supporters in ODM t-shirts cheer with placards reading "ODM Youth United" and "Ketorah Leads the Way." Kenyan flags wave, party elders observe approvingly, and a crumpled "Misleading List" document lies discarded on the ground, symbolizing leadership clarification. — ODM Sets Record Straight After Document Sparks Confusion Over Youth League Leadership. | Credit :Dawan Africa

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ODM Sets Record Straight After Document Sparks Confusion Over Youth League Leadership

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