Saad Faraaj Ahmed Leads Call for ODM Strategic Enhancement at 20-Year Mark

As the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) prepares to mark its 20th anniversary, a former Mombasa Member of County Assembly is urging party representatives to elevate their approach to public engagement and address concerning trends in electoral performance.

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Saad Faraaj Ahmed, who previously served as Protocol Director for the Mombasa County Government, has issued a candid assessment of ODM’s communication strategy and the party’s declining representation in Mombasa County Assembly over successive election cycles.

A Call for Substantive Messaging

In a statement released ahead of the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa, Ahmed emphasized that the party’s mission extends beyond rallying supporters with traditional crowd-energizing chants.

“ODM is in the business of convincing the nation to align to its principles, values and agenda as a party,” Ahmed stated. “While ‘HOYEE’ and ‘HAI’ excite crowds, the remainder must be information that resonates with everyone.”

Ahmed stressed that party representatives with public platforms must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of political dynamics, current affairs, and both local and national politics to effectively communicate ODM’s message.

Declining Numbers Demand Analysis

The former MCA highlighted a troubling trend in ODM’s electoral performance in Mombasa County, noting that the party’s representation in the County Assembly has steadily declined from 30 elected MCAs in 2013—comprising the entire assembly—to 27 in 2017 and 23 in 2022.

“The question should be why the drop in representation?” Ahmed asked. “Let’s always be analytical and constructive whenever we can to improve on such a drop.”

Unity Over Competition

Addressing potential criticism of his remarks, Ahmed clarified that his intention was constructive rather than contentious, calling on “all like-minded individuals” to accept criticism and strive for greater impact.

He also defended the party’s practice of giving speaking opportunities to non-candidates, noting that some party representatives have “absolutely no intention of vying for any elective position, but rather to assist the leadership and the party advance its cause.”

“We should not be infuriated that someone is given an opportunity to speak for the Party,” he said. “The fundamental and most important factor is to travel the journey as one unit.”

Looking Ahead

Ahmed outlined key objectives for ODM moving forward: popularizing the party’s message, unifying its base, broadening support, encouraging critical thinking on party matters, and enhancing the party’s general outlook.

“We are not in competition and we endeavor to achieve the same goal,” he concluded, ending his statement with the rallying call: “TUKUTANE MOMBASA – ODM@20.”

As ODM commemorates two decades since its formation, Ahmed’s remarks reflect broader conversations within the party about strategy, messaging, and maintaining electoral relevance in key strongholds like Mombasa County.

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