NAIROBI, Kenya — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has called on party members to exercise restraint when discussing the party’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during celebrations to mark ODM’s 20th anniversary, Odinga cautioned members against making premature pronouncements about the party’s plans, insisting that strategy and unity should guide the movement’s next steps.
“Don’t commit the party to some things that have not been discussed. Who told you ODM does not have a candidate in 2027?” Odinga posed, hinting at the possibility of fielding a contender but stopping short of declaring his own ambitions.
The ODM leader stressed that the party has “a clear plan that we have agreed on” and urged leaders to wait for an official position before speaking publicly.
His remarks come amid growing unease within the party, with some members threatening to abandon ODM should it choose to back President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Among them is Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who last month warned that loyalty to ODM must not override personal conviction on critical political decisions.
“Raila himself has said that this is a democratic party and any member is free to speak their mind, yet some thugs are saying I cannot hold views independent of the party just because I am the secretary-general, that I represent the party at all times,” Sifuna said.
While Odinga has remained tight-lipped on whether he will contest the presidency in 2027, his appeal for silence underscores the delicate balancing act within Kenya’s largest opposition party as it charts its future.
