MOMBASA, Kenya- The Orange Democratic Movement is yet to begin formal power-sharing negotiations with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, senior party figure Senator Oburu Oginga has said.
In a statement delivered in absentia, Oginga urged party members to remain loyal and avoid internal wrangles as the party prepares for the next General Election, even as divisions within ODM played out publicly during a three-day retreat in Mombasa that began on Sunday.
“We are yet to begin our negotiations,” he said, cautioning members against premature political endorsements and calling for a “thorough and consultative process” before any decisions are made.
Absence and internal cracks
Oginga did not attend the high-level retreat, a notable absence at a time when the party is grappling with internal dissent.
A faction aligned to the “Linda Mwananchi” wing, led by Senator Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo, also boycotted the meeting, exposing widening cracks within the party.
The divisions come amid speculation over a possible political arrangement between ODM and the ruling UDA, an issue that has sharply split opinion within the opposition outfit.
Call for discipline and single command
In his message, Oginga emphasised the need for discipline and unity, warning against multiple power centres within the party.
“We can only have one command centre. We cannot have multiple voices issuing conflicting party positions,” he said.
He added that official party positions would be communicated through established leadership structures, including trustees and the executive, to ensure consistency.
Loyalty ahead of 2027
The veteran politician reminded ODM leaders that they owe their positions to the electorate and must prioritise service over personal interests.
“As we move forward together as a team, let us remember that we are one family with a party to protect,” he said.
Political analysts say the unfolding developments within ODM could shape the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly if talks with UDA eventually materialise.
For now, however, Oginga’s remarks make clear that any such negotiations remain at a very early stage — if they begin at all.
