KILIFI, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is holding a crucial Central Management Committee meeting in Vipingo, Kilifi, under the leadership of Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga.
Party insiders describe the gathering as a make-or-break moment for ODM, as leaders deliberate on national political developments and unity within the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The main focus of the meeting is the party’s coalition strategy with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Oburu confirmed that ODM will soon establish a negotiation team to engage with President Ruto, emphasizing that the party’s first preference is a formal, negotiated arrangement with UDA.
“Now, as we approach 2027, we are not going to get into government through the back door. We are going to have a negotiated arrangement, which will be headed by me. It will not be easy, but a tough negotiation. We will get our share. 2026 is the year of negotiations for any arrangements,” Oburu stated.
The meeting comes in the wake of a private gathering last week in Siaya County involving Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and former Busia Governor Amos Wako. During that meeting, Babu Owino reportedly expressed readiness to lead the party, sparking tension with Oburu.
Attempts by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, the National Assembly Minority Whip, to persuade Oburu to postpone the Kilifi meeting reportedly failed.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi urged Oburu to invoke the ODM Constitution to form a team to spearhead coalition negotiations.
“As the duly elected ODM party leader with all the powers conferred on you under the ODM Constitution, I want you, Oburu, to invoke Article 16, Sub-Article 1(f) of the ODM Constitution and embark on serious negotiations on behalf of ODM with President William Ruto and the UDA for purposes of developing a pre-election coalition agreement,” Wandayi said.
Oburu emphasized that timing is critical, warning that the party cannot afford to delay planning for the 2027 elections.
“That mandate is not shared with anybody else under the Act, and we expect Oburu and the leadership, as you proceed with those engagements, to take into consideration the time factor,” he said.
With the Kilifi meeting underway, ODM appears set to lay the groundwork for its coalition strategy, aiming to strengthen unity within the party while positioning itself for the next general elections.
