‘ODM won’t dissolve despite President Ruto deal’
ODM Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Interim Party leader Oburu Oginga and Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo after meeting delegates in Mombasa on November 1, 2025.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has reaffirmed its commitment to the broad-based coalition but insists the party will not be dissolved under any arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the first major party meeting since the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the party’s leadership – led by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and acting Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga – said ODM remains united and intact amid ongoing political realignments.
Mr Sifuna said Raila left clear instructions that ODM must remain strong, organised and ready to field a presidential candidate in 2027.
“Baba told us to strengthen our party. Without a strong party we are going nowhere. ODM remains the biggest and most organised political movement. Broad-based is not a party; it does not exist anywhere. We are ODM and we will keep our identity,” said Mr Sifuna.
He maintained that the party’s understanding with the ruling UDA is not a merger or dissolution pact.
“The agreement signed between ODM and UDA is not a coalition pact. I know what is in that document because I wrote it myself. We are in a broad-based arrangement to stabilise the country, not to dissolve ODM,” he said.
Mr Sifuna – who described himself as a true student of Baba – vowed to protect Raila’s legacy and said ODM will be battle-ready.
“The greatest legacy Baba left us is ODM. I will do everything in my power to ensure the party remains steadfast. We can win the 2027 elections – and we will do it early. Mtoto wa Simba ni Simba. Watashangaa sana.”
Dr Oginga, addressing the gathering for the first time since assuming leadership, called for unity and discipline.
“This is not a family affair. I have served seven terms in Parliament. I have the experience – but the party is its people. If you support me, we will succeed. If we are divided, we will sink together,” he said.
He added that ODM joined the broad-based government to safeguard democracy and avoid instability that could have precipitated a military takeover.
“We got into government to prevent chaos. If that government had fallen, it would have hurt even our children – the Gen Zs who marched for justice. We agreed on a ten-point agenda with UDA which we will monitor until 2027. When that time comes, we shall decide whether to form the next government – but never again will ODM stay in opposition,” said Dr Oginga.
He announced that ODM will soon convene a National Governing Council meeting to confirm its leadership and prepare for the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations – which will also serve as a memorial for Raila Odinga.
Party matriarch Ruth Odinga reminded members of Raila’s parting words: “Baba went as a soldier. He told me and Winnie that the party must remain strong. Let’s be steadfast in ODM; this is the only party we have. It is all-inclusive and represents all of us.”
Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir echoed the call for unity, describing ODM as the backbone of Kenya’s democracy.
“ODM is not just a political outfit; it is a family. We joined the broad-based government to salvage the situation. When 2027 comes, we will not shy away. We were not born to stay in the opposition. The tears we shed for Baba will fuel the orange flame across Kenya,” he said.
Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki lauded Dr Oginga’s decision to start his leadership tour in Mombasa, saying the region remains an ODM stronghold.
Kwale Senator Issa Boy Juma and Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo pledged unwavering support. Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed led prayers for peace in neighbouring Tanzania following reports of political repression.
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