NAIROBI, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dismissed claims of internal disunity, pledging to remain committed to the broad-based government and to uphold the legacy of its late party leader, Raila Odinga.
Speaking after a meeting of the party’s Central Management Committee (CMC), Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said ODM would stay true to Odinga’s vision of national unity and peaceful coexistence.
“We reiterate the commitment of the party to the broad-based government until 2027, a relationship guided by the ten-point agenda entered into for the sake of peace and stability of the country,” said Sifuna.
He emphasized that ODM’s partnership with President William Ruto’s administration was a continuation of Odinga’s pursuit of dialogue and inclusion, not a political compromise.
“ODM is not just a political party; it is a covenant. A covenant that we, the living, must now renew,” he said. “Let us resist the temptation to scatter in despair or to fight over his political inheritance as leaders often do when giants fall.”
Sifuna maintained that unity within ODM remains intact and cautioned members against engaging in succession politics following Odinga’s death, saying it would betray the ideals he stood for.
The CMC meeting also resolved to hold memorial services across the country in honour of the late opposition chief.
The first events will be held in Magarini, Kilifi County, on November 2–3, followed by others in Homa Bay and Migori on November 5–6.
Sifuna added that ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations, scheduled for November 14–16, will go on as planned, featuring activities aimed at “cementing the unity and solidarity within the party.”
The reaffirmation of unity comes days after top ODM leaders convened in Bondo, Siaya County, where they warned against premature political jostling within the Luo community.
ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said the community remained united and cautioned against attempts to rush the succession process.
“There is no vacuum to be filled,” Wanga said. “We must avoid divisive politics that could fracture the unity Raila Odinga spent decades building.”
The renewed message of togetherness underscores ODM’s efforts to manage internal tensions and redefine its direction in the post-Odinga era while maintaining its place in the national political landscape.
