MOMBASA, Kenya- A section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) linked to the Linda Mwananchi faction has boycotted the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) retreat in Mombasa.
The three-day retreat, which began on Sunday and is being led by Acting Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, brought together more than 100 legislators, 13 governors, and senior party officials, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, during the opening sessions.
The meeting is part of ODM’s internal restructuring and strategy discussions ahead of the 2027 political cycle, with a focus on organisational cohesion and possible engagement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The Senator Edwin Sifuna-led faction opposes working with President Ruto or even endorsing his re-election bid.
The retreat comes amid broader internal tensions within ODM, with emerging factional lines forming around competing political strategies following the transition in party leadership after Raila Odinga’s death.
Speakers at the retreat, including Governor Gladys Wanga and Joho, called for unity and discipline within the party, warning against internal fragmentation as ODM positions itself for future negotiations and electoral strategy.
The party leadership is also expected to deliberate on ongoing talks with UDA, which have included discussions on potential power-sharing arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.
ODM is rooting for a 50-50 power-sharing deal with UDA.
