The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has revealed plans to begin formal and structured talks with other political parties — including President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) — as preparations for the next General Election gather pace.
The decision was reached on Monday, January 12, during a meeting of the ODM Central Management Committee held in Kilifi County, where senior party officials assessed the party’s political strength, internal organisation, and long-term strategy.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Oburu Oginga announced that ODM had resolved to pursue pre-election coalitions as part of a broader plan to reinforce its national influence.
As a result, the committee formally authorised the party leader to initiate negotiations with UDA — a notable shift given the fierce political rivalry that defined relations between the two parties before 2024.
“The Committee expressed its intention to commence structured negotiations with various political formations, starting with the United Democratic Alliance. To this end, the Party Leader has been mandated to lead the process,” read part of the statement issued after the meeting.
ODM leadership emphasised that the proposed talks would be systematic and carefully planned, focusing on shared interests and the country’s evolving political realities rather than short-term or informal arrangements.
At the same time, the party announced plans to conduct nationwide consultations with its members to ensure any political realignment reflects the views and aspirations of its grassroots supporters. These consultations are expected to guide the party’s final position and will eventually be ratified at a National Delegates Convention.
The committee also reviewed the implementation of ODM’s 10-Point Agenda, particularly matters relating to compensation for victims of public protests. Following a court ruling that declared the panel of experts handling compensation unlawful, ODM resolved that any future compensation should be processed through the constitutionally recognised Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
During a press briefing after the meeting, Oburu Oginga addressed questions over the absence of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Otsotsi. He dismissed speculation of internal rifts, explaining that both leaders had sent apologies after being unable to attend due to logistical challenges.
Sifuna, known as one of ODM’s most vocal critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration, had previously stated in 2025 that he would rather quit the party than engage with President Ruto’s government.
However, his position later softened following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with the Nairobi senator stating he did not wish to be the cause of ODM’s decline and calling for internal unity.
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