The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dismissed claims of internal divisions, affirming that the party remains united and focused on strengthening its structures ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking after the ODM Central Management Committee meeting in Vipingo, Kilifi County, party leader and Siaya Senator, Dr Oburu Odinga, said what was being witnessed in the party was democracy in action, where members had the freedom to express different opinions.
“As we have said, we shall continue to dialogue and strengthen our party. Our party will continue being one,” Dr Oburu said.
The clarification comes amid concerns over the absence of two notable Central Management Committee members from the meeting, including deputy party leader and Vihiga Senator, Godfrey Osotsi, and secretary general and Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna.
Dr Oburu explained that Osotsi was unable to attend as he was stuck in South Africa, while Sifuna had sent his apologies.
Reading the party’s press statement, the party leader outlined six key resolutions adopted by the Central Committee during the meeting.
The Committee expressed satisfaction with the successful marking of ODM’s 20th Anniversary, noting that the celebrations reaffirmed the party’s enduring relevance, resilience, and roots in the struggle for democracy, social justice, and inclusive governance.
On recent electoral performance, the Committee reviewed the outcome of the November 2025 by-elections, during which ODM fielded candidates in three parliamentary constituencies and emerged victorious in all. The Committee noted with appreciation the confidence demonstrated by voters in ODM candidates.
The party resolved to commence immediate preparations for the 2027 general election, directing that structured work begins towards positioning ODM not only to contest but to form the next government.
“The Committee directed that structured work commences immediately, including policy development, organizational readiness, coalition building, and candidate preparedness,” Dr Oburu said.
On compensation for victims of public protests, the Central Committee resolved to continue reviewing the implementation of the Ten-Point Agenda, particularly the unresolved matter of compensation.
Noting that courts have declared the proposed panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests unlawful, the Committee resolved to propose that any compensation monies be channeled through constitutionally and legally recognized institutions, specifically the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
The party also expressed its intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance. The Committee mandated the party leader to commence this process, with consultations among party members to proceed, culminating in a National Delegates Convention.
The Central Committee received a report from the Auditor General and was satisfied that for the twentieth year running, the party has been commended for maintaining clean books.
The Committee noted that ODM is one of the few parties that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties found to be fully compliant with the Political Parties Act.
The Central Committee mandated the relevant party organs to operationalize these resolutions and report progress to the appropriate leadership structures.
By Sitati Reagan
