ODM Will Not Back Ken Ng’ondi for Nairobi Speaker in Next Assembly Election, Sources Claim
Growing discontent among some ODM members in Nairobi is reportedly threatening County Assembly Speaker Ken Ng’ondi’s political future, with party insiders saying ODM loyalists are unwilling to support his return to the powerful role.
Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Ken Ng’ondi could face an uncertain political future, with sources within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) claiming the party will not back him for the speakership in the next County Assembly.
According to sources familiar with the sentiments circulating within Nairobi’s ODM circles, some party members are increasingly dissatisfied with what they describe as the Speaker’s lack of support for fellow members, ODM loyalists, and party activities.
The claims raise questions about whether Ng’ondi will retain the political backing that helped him secure the speakership, should ODM maintain a strong presence in the next Assembly.
Although the alleged position has not been confirmed as an official party decision, sources claim that opposition to his retention is growing among some ODM members, including, top ODM officials and elected MCAs.
ODM’s support under scrutiny
Ng’ondi secured the speakership with strong support from ODM, making the party an important factor in his rise to one of the most influential positions in Nairobi County politics.
However, sources now claim that some of the party faithful who supported his elevation are unhappy with his relationship with colleagues and his perceived level of engagement in party activities.
According to the sources, some ODM members feel that the Speaker has not adequately supported fellow party members or shown sufficient appreciation for those who have supported him politically.
One source familiar with the sentiments expressed among some members described the Speaker as someone who rarely reciprocates support.
“Speaker Ken naye huwa mchoyo, ata ukimfanya chenye inamsaidia yeye, he rarely appreciates,” the source claimed.
The remarks reflect the views of the individuals making the allegations and have not been independently established as an accurate assessment of Ng’ondi’s conduct.
Nevertheless, the reported dissatisfaction could complicate his prospects of retaining the speakership if ODM members decide to rally behind an alternative candidate.
‘He is not there for his colleagues’
Some ODM members have reportedly questioned the Speaker’s participation in party initiatives and his relationship with colleagues across Nairobi.
Sources claim that party members sometimes organise and attend political activities without involving the Speaker, with some interpreting this as a sign of strained relations.
The criticism centres on the perception among some members that the Speaker does not sufficiently support colleagues or participate in initiatives that could strengthen the party’s political networks.
One source compared Ng’ondi unfavourably with former Nairobi County Assembly Speaker, the late Alex Ole Magelo, and other predecessors, whom the source described as being more generous and supportive of colleagues.
“The late Magelo and other speakers before him were generous people. This one is what the Luo people call ‘Ngundi’ — yaani mtu mchoyo,” the source said. Meaning a stingy or selfish person.
The term mchoyo is commonly used in Swahili to describe someone perceived as ungenerous or someone who is reluctant to share their material possessions with others.
The allegations, however, remain the views of the sources.
MCAs reportedly unwilling to support his return
Perhaps the most significant development is the claim that some ODM MCAs have already indicated that they would not support Ng’ondi for another term as Speaker if they return to the County Assembly after the next election.
If confirmed, such opposition could present a political challenge for Ng’ondi, whose prospects would depend partly on the numbers and position of the parties represented in the next Assembly.
The speakership is an important position in county politics, and competition for it can involve party negotiations, internal consultations and efforts to secure the support of elected representatives.
For ODM, the question could therefore extend beyond the identity of the Speaker to the party’s broader strategy for maintaining influence over the leadership of Nairobi County Assembly.
The number of MCAs opposed to Ng’ondi, however, remains unclear, and no formal resolution declaring the party’s position has been established for this report.
ODM-UDA negotiations could shape the race
The reported tensions come amid expectations of possible political realignments between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), developments that could influence the distribution of leadership positions in Nairobi.
If the two parties reach an arrangement that gives them a combined majority in the County Assembly, negotiations over the speakership and other key positions could become an important part of their political discussions.
Sources suggest that ODM would seek to protect positions currently held by its members while pursuing other leadership opportunities it believes are justified by its numbers.
Under such circumstances, the Speaker’s position could become a subject of negotiation, particularly if sections of ODM favour a different candidate.
However, any agreement between the parties, the positions to be allocated and the eventual candidate for Speaker would depend on the political arrangements reached at the relevant time.
For Ng’ondi, the reported internal discontent could add another dimension to the challenge of retaining the position.
A difficult question for the current Speaker
The allegations raise a broader question about the relationship between political leadership and the party networks that help candidates secure influential positions.
While the Speaker is expected to preside over Assembly proceedings and work with members across political divides, relationships with party colleagues can also shape internal political support.
For Ng’ondi, the claims of dissatisfaction attributed to some ODM members suggest that his future could become a subject of debate within the party ahead of the next Assembly leadership contest.
Whether the reported opposition will translate into a formal decision by ODM remains to be seen.
Neither the alleged refusal to support his return nor the reported dissatisfaction among MCAs should be treated as an official party position without confirmation from the party leadership.
Will ODM choose a different Speaker?
The central question now is whether ODM will continue backing Ng’ondi or consider another candidate when the next speakership contest arrives.
If the reported discontent translates into a coordinated position among party members, Ng’ondi could face opposition from within the political camp that helped him secure the office.
If the concerns remain limited to individual grievances, the outcome could depend on internal consultations, political negotiations and the composition of the next County Assembly.
For now, the reported claims place the future of Nairobi’s speakership firmly within the wider conversation about party loyalty, leadership relationships and the distribution of political power in the capital.
The big question remains: Will ODM stand by Ken Ng’ondi, or will the party seek a new face to lead the Nairobi County Assembly?