Robert Alai Criticizes ODM Over Internal Age Violations Amid Tensions With Ruling UDA Party

Robert Alai labels ODM demands for respect from UDA as comedy, citing the party's failure to address a 41 year old leading its National Youth League.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 6:52 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

Demanding Internal Reform Before External Accountability

Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai has launched a pointed critique against the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing its recent public demands as a form of comedy. The criticism follows a formal statement from ODM’s Central Committee, led by Oburu Oginga, which expressed concern over public comments made by senior officials within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). According to Alai, the party’s insistence on receiving respect from its broad based government partner is undermined by its own failure to resolve long standing internal disputes. He argued on social media that the party must fix its own house before pointing fingers at the ruling alliance.

Constitutional Disputes Within the Youth League

At the center of Alai’s grievances is the leadership of the ODM National Youth League, currently headed by John Antira Ketora. Alai pointed out that Ketora is 41 years old, a fact he claims directly violates Article 260 of the Constitution of Kenya, which defines youth as individuals between the ages of 18 and 35. By allowing an individual over the legal age limit to lead a youth oriented body for over six years, Alai argues that the party has lost its moral authority to lecture others on fairness. He characterized this situation as a significant oversight that erodes the credibility of the party’s internal democratic structures.

Ignored Petitions and Inefficient Communication

The outspoken MCA revealed that his concerns regarding the youth leadership are not new and have been formally communicated to party headquarters months ago. Alai stated that he had previously called for the youth leadership position to be declared vacant to allow for fresh elections within a 60 day window. Despite copying senior party officials on these requests, he claims to have received no response to date. This lack of engagement, according to Alai, exposes an internal inefficiency that makes the party’s public stance on discipline and order appear inconsistent and hypocritical to its supporters.