KILIFI, Kenya Jan 12 – The Orange Democratic Movement has approved the initiation of coalition negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance as part of early preparations for the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued after a Central Committee meeting held in Kilifi County on January 12, 2026, the party said it had mandated Party Leader Oburu Odinga to lead structured negotiations with other political formations, beginning with UDA, alongside consultations with party members ahead of a National Delegates Convention.
“The Committee meeting expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with United Democratic Alliance. To this end, we have mandated the Party Leader to commence this process,” the statement said.
The committee also reviewed ODM’s performance in the November 2025 by-elections, where the party won all three parliamentary seats it contested, and expressed satisfaction with the successful marking of its 20th anniversary.
As part of its early election strategy, ODM resolved to immediately begin structured preparations for 2027, including coalition building, policy development, organisational readiness and candidate preparedness.
The party further reaffirmed its commitment to implementing its 10-point agenda, particularly on compensation for victims of public protests, proposing that any such compensation be channelled through constitutionally recognised institutions, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
ODM said the resolutions would be operationalised by relevant party organs, with progress reports to be submitted to the party’s leadership structures.
“The Committee directed that structured work commence immediately towards positioning ODM not only to contest next year’s general elections, but to form the next government, including policy development, organisational readiness, coalition building, and candidate preparedness,” the party said.
The resolutions came as the party reviewed its political, organisational and strategic standing, slightly over a year to the next general election.
ODM also took stock of the successful marking of its 20th anniversary, with the Central Committee expressing satisfaction with what it termed broad national participation and strong political symbolism.
“The celebrations reaffirmed ODM’s enduring relevance, resilience and roots in the struggle for democracy, social justice and inclusive governance,” the committee said.
The party celebrated its clean sweep in the November 2025 by-elections, where ODM candidates won all three parliamentary seats contested. The leadership said the results reflected continued voter confidence in the party.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the Central Committee resolved that early preparations must begin immediately. It directed party organs to roll out structured work on policy development, organisational readiness, coalition building and candidate preparedness, with the clear objective of forming the next government.
The committee also reviewed progress on the party’s 10-point agenda, focusing particularly on compensation for victims of public protests.
Noting that courts had declared the proposed Panel of Experts on Compensation unlawful, ODM resolved that any compensation funds should instead be channelled through constitutionally recognised institutions, specifically the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Oburu has emphasized that ODM will continue listening to members and the public as it charts its policies and strategic direction.
The ODM Party Leader defended the party’s engagement with President William Ruto’s government, which he said seek to secure political and development gains for ODM supporters.
He highlighted his role in negotiations that led to senior ODM figures’ Cabinet appointments, including Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Treasury CS John Mbadi, and Mining CS Hassan Joho.
Deepening divisions
ODM remains divided over whether the party should continue supporting President Ruto’s administration or focus on preparations for the 2027 General Election.
One faction, led by MPs Babu Owino and Secretary General Sifuna, advocates exiting the government and charting a new leadership direction, with Owino publicly signalling his intent to seek a senior position.
The opposing faction, aligned with Oburu Odinga, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and several Luo Nyanza leaders, supports continued negotiations with Ruto to secure a mega coalition and maximize ODM’s representation in a post-2027 political landscape.
Recent disputes have included accusations over campaign fund management during the 2022 elections, leadership succession, and party discipline, with attempts to de-whip Sifuna now paused in favour of dialogue.
Monday’s Vipingo meeting is widely seen as an effort by Oburu and the Central Management Committee to consolidate party cohesion, elevate member voices, and define a strategic roadmap for ODM amid rising tensions and competing visions for the party’s future.
