ODM unveils new strategy, seeks unity in 2027 bid for power

On Monday, ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, who was absent from the retreat, through a statement reminded members that they have a party to protect. His speech, delivered on his behalf by deputy party leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, emphasised loyalty and discipline as guiding principles.

“Loyalty and dedication to the party must guide our actions. We must put an end to internal conflicts, as they do not serve our interests but instead create divisions that may become difficult to repair,” Dr Oginga stated.

He emphasised the importance of speaking with one voice as the party prepares for pre-election pact negotiations with UDA. ODM’s internal wrangles and divergent messaging have weakened its ability to project a united front, thereby undermining its negotiating strength since the death of former party leader Raila Odinga.

Dr Oginga confronted this challenge, cautioning against multiple centres of authority, stressing the need for a unified command centre.

Clarifying the state of play, he confirmed that negotiations with UDA had not yet begun. He promised that any endorsements or political agreements would follow a thorough consultative process within party organs, aimed at strengthening ODM’s standing among its supporters.  

“We are yet to begin our negotiations, and I would like to request that, before we start endorsing one another, we ensure a thorough and consultative process is undertaken,” he said.

Dr Oburu urged legislators to use the retreat to build relationships, mend divisions, and foster unity, so that ODM emerges stronger and more cohesive ahead of the general elections.

Read: Inside plans for Oburu, Ruto CSs retreat to draw ODM 2027 plan

Mr Arati stressed that the party is ready to work with everyone, including the Linda Mwananchi faction, who have continued with their defiance and disapproval of the party leadership.

"We are not a party that sends anybody away but a party of unity and that's why you are seeing all teams here today. It is not only those who happen not to be with us now but for every like-minded citizen. We welcome them back to the party so that we build a strong party," he said.

Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Wycliffe Oparanya, emphasised the importance of loyalty to ODM’s structures, noting that while leaders may hold government positions, their political identity remains rooted in the party.

"My colleagues (CSs) and I are here to show the world that we are strong in the party. We support the party and we are in ODM and shall remain in the party. We recognise that the founder of the party is no more and we have a party leader in the name of Dr Oburu whom we are supporting and any issue that we have, whether from the ministry or the government because we are there, we pass through those officials," he said.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and his Mining counterpart Hassan Joho reinforced this message, acknowledging that while some leaders had been seconded to government, they remained subject to ODM’s internal machinery.

Meanwhile, the party has unveiled a strategy to construct a formidable nationwide campaign machine and secure critical resources ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Resolutions adopted at the Mombasa retreat lay out a detailed roadmap focused on candidate recruitment, grassroots mobilisation, funding, and deployment of technology.

Leaders framed the gathering as a historic moment to shift ODM from opposition politics and from the streets into the centre of governance, carrying forward the vision of the late Odinga.

"It is from the government that we will push for the realisation of the dreams our founding leader had for the country. These dreams remain valid and remain ours," the party's Deputy Party Secretary General Catherine Omanyo said.

Delegates agreed to strengthen grassroots networks, expand membership recruitment, and revamp youth and women leagues to ensure generational and gender balance in leadership. The Veterans League will also be revitalised to mentor younger members, embedding continuity and discipline across the ranks.

Technology and reform featured prominently, where ODM resolved to incorporate artificial intelligence into its organisational systems, while also pressing the State to reduce data costs that hinder access to online services.

The party demanded the full release of political party funds, describing this as essential to funding democracy and progressive politics.

Read: Oburu ODM allies blowing hot and cold, leaning towards Sifuna camp

"We have resolved that the party engages the State to fully release political party funds to political parties to fund the activities of all political parties, including ODM, as part of the ODM belief in protecting the independence, transparency, accountability and integrity of political parties," said Mr Omanyo.

The retreat also addressed justice and equity, mandating ODM to push for compensation of victims of police brutality and to ensure equality in resource distribution.

Delegates are committed to activating ODM chapters in universities and colleges, strengthening ties with youth organisations, and spearheading voter registration nationwide.

The resolutions also carried a strong social justice agenda, and the party reaffirmed its pledge to raise the monthly stipend for the elderly from Sh2,000 to Sh6,000.

“We retain the dream to create jobs for the youth, make government take care of the poor, the widows and vulnerable, and ensure single mothers are supported," Ms Omanyo said.

Delegates mandated the secretariat to identify candidates for all elective positions and to guarantee credible primaries.

According to the party, it has in the past led protests from the streets, but the leadership under Dr Oburu has made the conscious decision that going forward, the party will pursue change and reform from inside the government. 

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