The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has moved to settle growing confusion about the leadership of its Youth League, after a publication circulated during the party’s anniversary event in Mombasa claimed that activist Kasmuel McOure had taken over the top youth position.
The notice, which was handed to some party members during the event on Friday, November 14, listed McOure as the ODM Youth League President.
This information quickly raised questions, especially online, with many wondering whether the party had quietly changed its youth leadership structure.
On Saturday morning, ODM issued a clear and firm statement. The party explained that the information in the document was false and that the rightful Youth League President was still Johnmark Brown Ketorah.
According to ODM, any document suggesting otherwise should be ignored.
In its announcement, the party said that the confusion came from a misleading publication that was not approved by the National Executive Council (NEC).
ODM stressed that only NEC has the mandate to appoint or announce changes in party leadership.
Johnmark Brown Ketorah has served as the ODM Youth League President since 2016. He was appointed to the position after being recommended by fellow youth members who believed in his commitment to organising and growing the party’s young support base.
Since his appointment, Ketorah has been involved in mobilising young people across the country and shaping ODM’s youth agenda.
Many in the party credit him for strengthening youth participation during elections and key national events.
Kasmuel McOure is widely known among ODM supporters, especially young people.
He became more visible in 2024 after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga appointed him as one of the youth and student league members.
Since then, he has been active in different ODM events and has often been seen encouraging youth involvement in politics.
However, despite his visibility and growing popularity, Kasmuel has not been appointed to any top leadership role within the party.
The publication that listed him as the Youth League President was therefore misleading.
ODM clarified that McOure remains a regular Youth League member and supporter. While his contribution to youth mobilisation is recognised, he has not replaced Ketorah or taken any senior party position.
The statement correcting the youth leadership mix-up came shortly after ODM announced major changes in its top leadership. Earlier in the week, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga was approved as the new party leader.
Other leaders who were endorsed as deputy party leaders include Governor Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa, Governor Simba Arati of Kisii, and Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osoti.
These changes were part of the party’s efforts to reorganise itself ahead of the coming political season.
ODM said the adjustments were aimed at refreshing its leadership and preparing the party for future national and grassroots activities.
ODM’s clarification was important because the youth wing plays a major role in the party’s political strength. Youth leaders often help in organising campaigns, spreading party messages, and recruiting new members.
A mix-up or misleading announcement could create internal conflict or confusion among supporters. By addressing the issue quickly, ODM aimed to maintain unity and protect the credibility of its structures.
The confusion surrounding the ODM Youth League leadership has now been settled. The party made it clear that Johnmark Brown Ketorah is still the official Youth League President, and the document naming Kasmuel McOure as the new youth leader was false.
ODM has encouraged its supporters to rely only on official communication from the party and ignore misleading information.
The party now hopes to move forward with clear leadership and focus on strengthening its youth involvement across the country.
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