MCA Robert Alai wants ODM Youth League boss removed for exceeding age limit

Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai has demanded the immediate removal of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Youth League Leader John Anitara Ketora, accusing the party of violating both the laws of the Republic of Kenya and its own Constitution.

In a strongly-worded letter addressed to ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, Alai said Ketora is 41 years old hence is constitutionally ineligible to hold the youth leadership position, which is reserved for individual aged between 18 and 34.

“The current occupant of the office of National Youth League Leader, Mr. John Antira Ketora (ID No. 23786617), was born on 12th August 1984. As of today, 19th November 2025, Mr. Ketora is 41 years and 3 months old. He therefore ceased to be a youth, by constitutional definition, on 12th August 2019 when he attained the age of 35 years,” Alai stated.

“Mr. Ketora’s continued occupation of the office is therefore patently illegal, null, and void.”

Alai further stated that the party is obligated to uphold the law and adhere to its own constitution, citing Article 260 of the Constitution, Article 20 of the ODM Constitution, and provisions of the Political Parties Act.

He warned that the situation undermines the rights of young people within the party and could amount to misuse of public resources, given that ODM receives State funding.

Alai demanded that ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC), through the National Elections Board (NEB), announces and conducts “fresh, transparent, and democratic elections” for the position within the 60 days.

He also demanded that ODM publishes a clear election roadmap within 14 days, including a list of eligible youth members aged 18 to 34 years who may seek the position.

He further wants the party to refrain from according Ketora any privileges, responsibilities, or platform attached to the office.

“I hereby demand that the Party ceases forthwith any recognition of Mr. John Antira Ketora as National Youth League Leader and refrains from according him any privileges, responsibilities, or platform attached to that office,” he stated.

Alai accused the party of disenfranchising youth members by allowing a non-youth to hold a position meant to represent their interests.

He said the continued recognition of Ketora “betrays the ideals” upon which ODM was founded and goes against the vision of the late party leader Raila Odinga.

“I remind the leadership that the eyes of our members, the youth of Kenya, the Registrar of Political Parties, the Auditor-General, and the general public are upon us. We cannot demand accountability from the national government while tolerating illegality within our own house,” he noted.

The outspoken MCA urged the party leadership to uphold the legacy of Raila Odinga, saying ODM must “be the change you want to see.”

He further noted that he expects a written response from Ong’wen within seven days.