Nairobi – Pressure is mounting on ODM Nairobi Chairlady Catherine Okoth, with women leaders accusing her of selfish leadership and failing to build a proper party structure.
The leaders argue that unlike other branches of the party, where clear leadership structures exist, Catherine has allegedly turned her office into a family affair, sidelining loyal members and silencing dissent with insults.
They pointed out that Nairobi youth league has clear structures under Hon. Stanzo and Naomi, the mainstream wing under H.E. Aladwa and Kwamboka, and even national leaders such as Governor Gladys Wanga, Senator Beth Syengo, and Commissioner Ketora run organized teams. Catherine, they claim, stands out as the only one without a transparent team.
“We only see her children running her office. Who exactly is her vice? Where is her structure?” one member asked.
The women further accused party chairperson H.E. Gladys Wanga and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu of interfering with Nairobi elections, warning that nepotism and favoritism must not be allowed to dictate ODM politics in the county.
They also questioned the loyalty of Senator Kwamboka, recalling how she was rewarded with a Senate nomination by ODM, only to defect to UDA shortly after the 2022 elections. According to the women, Kwamboka is now allegedly working against Catherine to grab the Nairobi women’s chairperson seat.
Despite acknowledging Catherine’s long service as a four-time nominated MCA and former chairlady, the women insist that leadership renewal is overdue.
“ODM is not a personal inheritance. Nairobi women deserve free and fair elections, not shortcuts or drama. Respect to Catherine will remain, but whether she likes it or not, change is here and cannot be stopped,” they said.
The push signals widening cracks in ODM Nairobi, as women leaders rally for fresh leadership that they believe will bring new energy, real direction, and unity within the party.
