The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is moving to rebuild its grassroots support and strengthen party structures as political parties position themselves for alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM Communication Director Philip Etale says the party’s bargaining power in future coalition negotiations will depend heavily on the strength of its support base and the number of people it can bring to the political table.
Speaking during a radio interview on Thursday, September 10, Etale said ODM could not expect to secure a favourable deal if it entered negotiations with a weak grassroots following.
“You know, you cannot go to sit at the table when you have two people and the other person has 50 people. We have to have numbers that will enable us to get what we want as a party, and that’s what we are working on,” Etale said.
The comments come as ODM seeks to consolidate its traditional support while expanding its reach ahead of a potentially competitive 2027 political contest.
ODM plans nationwide mobilisation
Etale said the party is preparing a series of activities across the country aimed at reconnecting with supporters and revitalising its grassroots structures.
The programme will intensify in October, which ODM has designated as “Raila Month” to commemorate the life and political legacy of its former leader Raila Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025.
“We have a number of activities. By next month, we are going to have a packed month. You know, we call it Raila Month because that’s the month that our Baba rested,” Etale said.
Party officials are expected to tour different parts of the country, meet supporters and participate in rallies and other activities marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
The programme will be formally unveiled by ODM organising secretary and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, according to Etale.
“He’s going to make it clear what we are going to do in October, which we have dubbed Raila Month. So a lot of activities are going to be done,” he said.
Raila legacy meets 2027 strategy
While October’s activities will focus on remembering Raila, the programme is also expected to serve a wider political purpose as ODM prepares for the 2027 election.
Etale said the party intends to use the period to make its structures more active and reconnect with supporters across the country.
“It’s one year down the line. We have dedicated the entire month. You will see a number of activities across the country, massive activities party-based,” he said.
Raila’s death left ODM under the leadership of his brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who has since taken charge of the party. ODM’s future direction and its position in the emerging coalition landscape have become important questions as the 2027 contest approaches.
The party’s official history describes ODM as Kenya’s largest opposition party, with a political tradition rooted in constitutional reform, devolution, human rights and democratic governance.
Party seeks stronger bargaining power
Etale said the immediate priority was to revitalise ODM rather than rely solely on its historical political influence.
“We are going to revitalise our party. We are going to re-energise our party, and we are going to make it more vibrant during this month, going forward,” he said.
The push comes amid increasingly competitive political activity in Nairobi and other parts of the country, with parties already positioning themselves for the 2027 contest. Recent political developments show ODM seeking to defend its traditional urban support while negotiating its position within the broader political landscape.
For ODM, the message from its communications office is clear: before the party negotiates for positions or coalition terms, it wants to demonstrate that it still commands a substantial and active grassroots base.
