Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has clarified the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) position on its participation in the broad-based government and future alliances, following internal calls for the party to reconsider its engagement with President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking on X, Kaluma emphasized that ODM remains a distinct political party and is committed to staying within the broad-based government.
He urged members who hold different views to wait for the party’s next National Delegates Conference (NDC), scheduled for 2027, where official decisions on strategy and alliances will be discussed.
Kaluma also outlined conditional parameters for future coalitions.
He stated that ODM would be open to partnering with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) only if the agreed ten-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the parties is fully implemented.
Conversely, he categorically ruled out any collaboration with political figures or parties associated with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The clarification comes after EALA MP Winnie Odinga called for an NDC to deliberate on ODM’s cooperation with the Ruto administration.
Odinga’s proposal reflects ongoing debate within the party, as some leaders argue that participation in the broad-based government could affect ODM’s independence and political identity.
ODM’s presence in the broad-based government dates back to the 2022 general elections, when several opposition parties agreed to collaborate under a coalition framework aimed at ensuring policy stability and joint governance.
The arrangement has since generated mixed opinions among party members and supporters, particularly over the balance between maintaining party distinctiveness and engaging in coalition politics.
Kaluma’s statement underscores the party’s current strategy: maintain its role in government while adhering to established agreements, and reserve major decisions on future alliances for the 2027 NDC.
For now, ODM remains engaged in the broad-based government, with conditional openness to future coalitions, ensuring that the party’s decisions align with its constitution, leadership structures, and agreed political agreements.