In a bid to refocus his political work and ward off dissenting voices, President William Ruto on Wednesday convened a meeting that okayed his plan to engage Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party in a pre-election agreement.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Executive Committee mandated President Ruto to initiate structured talks with ODM to negotiate a coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Top News has learnt that Ruto moved to woo ODM almost a year and a half before the polls in an effort to steady the Orange party, which is grappling with internal wrangles over whether to back his re-election bid.
STERN WARNING
“The NEC noted the decision of the ODM Party Central Management Committee to initiate structured negotiations with the UDA Party, within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, to strengthen the ongoing political partnership and negotiate a coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 General Election,” read a communiqué from the president’s meeting.
The meeting came just hours after ODM leadership issued a stern warning to members opposed to plans to work with President Ruto. Party leader Oburu Odinga led senior officials at a charged rally, where Secretary General Edwin Sifuna was conspicuously absent, telling dissenting members to walk away if they disagreed with the party’s direction.
Oburu said he had no intention of removing anyone from ODM, instead calling for unity as the party kick-starts pre-coalition talks ahead of the 2027 election.
FRAGMENTED ODM
“We must walk together, and we have no intention of removing anyone. If someone wants to leave, let them leave on their own,” Oburu said.
“If we want to negotiate, we must come together so that we negotiate from a position of strength. We cannot go to the negotiation table when the party is divided,” he added.
Political observers argue that entering a coalition with a fragmented ODM may not benefit Ruto’s re-election prospects, particularly if the United Opposition Movement manages to unite behind a formidable candidate.
An ODM MP, speaking anonymously, said the ongoing wrangles—especially following the death of former prime minister Raila Odinga—have unsettled the president, prompting him to encourage the party to put its house in order for smoother cooperation.
“The president has been urging ODM members to unite because only a strong Orange party can help him secure a fresh term. It appears he wants to help organise the party towards unity,” the MP said.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
ODM leaders have continued to downplay internal disagreements despite open bickering, name-calling, and ultimatums.
Party chairperson Gladys Wanga dismissed claims that ODM intends to expel Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for skipping a recent Central Management Committee meeting.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 13, during an interview on Ramogi TV, Wanga said ODM remains a democratic party and that Sifuna’s divergent views do not warrant dismissal.
“ODM is a democratic party. Anyone in the party is allowed to have their own opinion,” Wanga said, adding that disciplinary action only applies once the party reaches a binding collective decision.
She questioned the basis of calls to expel Sifuna, asking what wrongdoing the ODM Secretary General had committed to justify such action.
“Once the party makes a binding decision, it should be followed. But we are not chasing anyone away. What has Sifuna done wrong to deserve expulsion?” she asked.
FORMER LEADER
On Wednesday, during the party’s first public engagement since the demise of its former leader, Oburu reiterated that he had no obligation to block anyone from leaving the party.
Recently, ODM MPs led by Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga warned of a possible mass exodus should the party expel Sifuna over alleged party infidelity.
At the Kamukunji–Kibra meeting, ODM leadership defended the Central Management Committee’s decision to begin pre-coalition negotiations ahead of 2027.
During a CMC meeting held in Kilifi on Monday, ODM resolved to initiate pre-election talks, starting with President Ruto’s UDA and other parties, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the party’s national standing.
SKIPPED MEETING
The Kibra meeting brought together senior party officials, including chairperson Gladys Wanga and deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Simba Arati.
However, Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino were among notable leaders who skipped the rally.
