Alai claims that Ketora is too old to hold the youth position and that the party is going against the law by keeping him in office.
His concerns have now sparked debate inside the party, especially among young members who feel ignored.
In a firm letter sent to ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, Alai stated that Ketora is 41 years old.
According to the Constitution of Kenya, a youth is someone aged between 18 and 34.
Alai explained that Ketora stopped being a youth when he turned 35 in 2019, meaning he no longer qualifies to lead the Youth League.
Alai wrote that keeping Ketora in office is “illegal, null, and void.” He said the party has a duty to respect the Constitution, the ODM rules, and the Political Parties Act.
According to him, ignoring the age limit sends a message that the party does not follow the same laws it expects the government to respect.
The MCA also warned that the situation could be considered misuse of public resources. ODM receives funding from the government, and Alai believes that public money should not support someone holding a position they do not qualify for.
He accused the party of blocking young members from getting leadership chances by allowing a non-youth to stay in office.
In his letter, Alai made several demands. First, he wants ODM’s National Executive Committee to remove Ketora immediately.
He further wants the National Elections Board to announce fresh and fair elections within 60 days so that a qualified youth can take the role.
He also asked the party to publish a clear election timetable within 14 days, showing all eligible youth who may want to contest.
Alai insisted that the party must stop giving Ketora any privileges or responsibilities. He said Ketora should not speak, represent, or act as the Youth League Leader anymore.
According to him, this is the only way to protect the rights of young people in the party and restore fairness.
He also reminded the ODM leadership that many eyes are watching, including the Registrar of Political Parties, the Auditor-General, and ordinary Kenyans.
Alai warned that ODM cannot demand accountability from the government if it is not practicing the same values internally.
The outspoken MCA said that allowing Ketora to stay in office “betrays the ideals” of the party’s late leader, Raila Odinga.
He urged ODM to protect Odinga’s legacy by promoting transparency and respecting the rules.
Alai noted that he expects a written response from Oduor Ong’wen within seven days. His move has now added pressure on the party to address the matter quickly and show young members that their voice still matters.
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