The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced that it will begin formal political negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election, signalling a significant shift in its strategy as the countdown to the polls intensifies.
The decision was reached during a Central Management Committee meeting held in Kilifi County and chaired by party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
According to the party, ODM will embark on structured talks with various political formations, with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) — the ruling party — listed as the first group for engagement.
According to the party, ODM will embark on structured talks with various political formations, with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) — the ruling party — listed as the first group for engagement.
The move underscores a period of realignment in Kenya’s political landscape as parties assess coalition options, policy priorities, and their chances of forming the next government.
In a statement following the meeting, the committee said it had instructed Oburu to spearhead the process and ensure broad consultation with party members.
In a statement following the meeting, the committee said it had instructed Oburu to spearhead the process and ensure broad consultation with party members.
The negotiations will also contribute to shaping resolutions expected to be presented at the party’s upcoming National Delegates Convention.
The party explained that early engagement is meant to give ODM enough time to craft a comprehensive strategy for 2027.
The party explained that early engagement is meant to give ODM enough time to craft a comprehensive strategy for 2027.
This includes coalition building, developing a competitive manifesto, strengthening grassroots structures, and preparing for candidate nominations.
Party insiders say the goal is not only electoral participation but positioning ODM as a strong contender for government formation.
The Kilifi meeting also reviewed the party’s recent activities and performance. ODM marked its 20th anniversary in 2025, celebrating two decades of political participation, activism and contribution to governance reforms.
The Kilifi meeting also reviewed the party’s recent activities and performance. ODM marked its 20th anniversary in 2025, celebrating two decades of political participation, activism and contribution to governance reforms.
The leadership hailed the milestone events and stated that the celebrations reaffirmed the party’s identity as a champion for democracy, social justice and inclusion.
The committee further reflected on ODM’s performance in the November 2025 by-elections, where its candidates captured all three parliamentary seats that were up for contest.
The committee further reflected on ODM’s performance in the November 2025 by-elections, where its candidates captured all three parliamentary seats that were up for contest.
The victories were cited as evidence of continuing grassroots support and voter confidence in the party’s agenda, despite internal disagreements and shifting alliances nationally.
ODM also evaluated progress on its Ten-Point Agenda, which addresses social protection, economic justice, electoral reforms and compensation for victims of past political protests.
ODM also evaluated progress on its Ten-Point Agenda, which addresses social protection, economic justice, electoral reforms and compensation for victims of past political protests.
The party acknowledged previous court rulings declaring its proposed Panel of Experts unlawful, and resolved that compensation efforts would henceforth be implemented through legally recognized institutions such as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Financial accountability was another key highlight. ODM noted that it had maintained a clean audit record for 20 consecutive years, with auditors consistently affirming compliance with the Political Parties Act.
Financial accountability was another key highlight. ODM noted that it had maintained a clean audit record for 20 consecutive years, with auditors consistently affirming compliance with the Political Parties Act.
The leadership said financial transparency remains essential in strengthening public trust and institutional credibility.
However, the meeting took place amid noticeable absences by senior figures, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and deputy chairperson Otiende Amollo.
However, the meeting took place amid noticeable absences by senior figures, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and deputy chairperson Otiende Amollo.
Their nonattendance has fueled ongoing debates over ODM’s strategic direction and potential collaboration with the current administration.
Oburu Oginga downplayed concerns, reiterating that unity, dialogue and wide consultation would guide the party during this transition period.
