Orange Democratic Movement - Kenya
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) began life as a political grassroots movement formed to campaign against the constitutional referendum proposed in Kenya in 2005. It took its name from the fruit which was used on polling cards to represent a ‘no’ vote. At the forefront of the ODM was the Liberal Democratic Party of Raila Odinga, a Liberal International observer party.
ODM won the referendum, with 58.12% of Kenyans voting down the proposed constitution. Following the rejection of the constitution, President Mwai Kibaki proceeded to dismiss his entire cabinet, but refused to hold new elections until his mandate expired. During this time, ODM campaigned for a new, more representative constitution. Parliamentary and Presidential elections that took place in December 2007 were disputed by the population at large, and widespread violence occurred. Eventually, a Government of National Unity was formed with ODM leader, Raila Odinga, being awarded the newly-created position of Prime Minister. He was sworn in on 17 April 2008.
ODM remains the largest party in parliament with 99 seats, and has since successfully drawn-up a new constitution, which was approved in a referendum on 4 August 2010, and is currently being implemented. This document provides for the devolution of power to 47 counties; land reform; dual citizenship rights; a more independent judiciary, a strong bill of rights, and provisions for gender equality. The constitution also sets a ceiling of 20 ministers to be appointed from outside Parliament, ensures that the President can be impeached, and fixes election dates.
Contact
Orange Democratic Movement
PO Box 2478-00202
Nairobi
Kenya
Dr Joseph Misoi MP:
misoi_joseph@yahoo.com