ODM supporters during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Special Delegates Convention at the ASK Dome, Jamhuri Expo Centre in Nairobi on Friday, March 27.
ODM has launched an aggressive pushback against the perceived encroachment of its turf by President William Ruto’s UDA amid escalating sibling rivalry within the broad-based government.
In its fight back plan, the Orange party has today convened a meeting with youths drawn from the 17 constituencies of Nairobi. A total of 10,000 youths are expected at the meeting to be held at Jamhuri Grounds, according to party officials.
The youth convention in the capital city, and another one in Mombasa next week, are part of ODM’s countrywide tours that are aimed at revamping its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The outfit has been jolted into an aggressive fightback following claims of a sustained incursion of its traditional zones by President Ruto’s party.
At the same time, the party is engaged in behind-the-scenes talks with UDA to end the escalating animosity that is now threatening the survival of the broad-based government.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed – who kicked off the current storm by sensationally claiming coordinated harassment and coercion of its members to ditch ODM for UDA – revealed that the two outfits have started talks to end the current animosity.
Suna East MP and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed during an interview in his office at Parliament Buildings on January 15, 2025.
He told Nation that the two parties have mutually agreed to constitute a technical team to iron out the sticking issues.
“There is an agreement between the two parties to end the hostility. There is a plan to form a technical team to outline all the sticking issues,” said Mr Mohammed.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, a close ally of Dr Ruto, at the weekend asked unnamed UDA top officials to stop interfering with ODM.
“As UDA, together with ODM in this broad-based formation, we know where we have come from and where we are going.”
“I want to tell my colleagues in UDA who are speaking too much to leave ODM alone so that they can organise their own house,” Sudi said.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.
On Saturday, ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, his Kisii counterpart, who is also co-deputy party leader Simba Arati, Nairobi branch chairman and Makadara MP George Aladwa, and Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris held a preparatory meeting with a section of the party’s youth leaders.
“We held a consultative meeting with 17 youth chairpersons and 85 ward chairpersons ahead of the ODM Youth Convention.”
“The youth remain an integral pillar of the party, and their voice is key in shaping the future direction of our movement,” said Mr Aladwa.
He said the activities are meant to make ODM distinct from other political outfits, while talking of a growing thin line between UDA and ODM as a result of the broad-based government.
“Our supporters have been confused by this broad-based arrangement. We want to remind our members that ODM remains a distinct party going into the next election,” said Mr Aladwa.
In its highly charged Central Management Committee, chaired by party leader Dr Oburu Oginga on Thursday, the outfit announced a series of political activities in revamping the outfit and fending off the perceived encroachment by UDA.
The meeting resolved that the outfit embarks on a vigorous and rigorous exercise to popularise and strengthen the ODM party in all parts of the country and particularly in its strongholds.
“We have no choice but to make our identity bigger, which remains in the hearts of the majority of Kenyans.”
After today’s youth conference in Nairobi, the party will hold a similar event in Mombasa on April 26.
The outfit has also planned for a three-day retreat that will bring together its National Executive Council (NEC), Members of Parliament and Governors.
“Our members and supporters should remain focused, steadfast and continue keeping the fire of the party burning. We believe in the spirit of unity and togetherness, and we shall continue consulting with party members on the best ways to make our party bigger and greater,” ODM said in a statement.
The push for zoning by ODM is at the centre of the current standoff after UDA rejected it. The contested arrangement has since become a major talking point, especially in Nyanza, with locals openly opposed to it.
Locals see it as a scheme to protect some sitting MPs, seen to be loyal to the current leadership of the party. ODM has in the past also been in the spotlight for bungling its nominations.
Others also see zoning it as a plot to lock the bases from alternative political outfits, consequently denying voters the opportunity to elect the right leaders.
But the party now says it will ensure credible party elections so that voters get to elect the candidate of their choice.
Catherine Omanyo.
“We want to assure our members and supporters that in the build-up to the general election, we shall conduct free and fair nominations and there will be no sacred cows for any position sought,” said Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo.
The party announced its national secretariat will soon open a portal for its members to apply for all elective positions ahead of next year’s polls.
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