The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has signalled a possible shift in Kenya’s political landscape after resolving to initiate structured negotiations with other political formations, including President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The decision was reached on Monday, January 12, following a meeting of the party’s Central Management Committee held in Kilifi County.
Party leaders said the talks are part of a broader strategy aimed at repositioning ODM nationally amid changing political dynamics and emerging alliances.
In a statement issued after the meeting, ODM deputy party leader Oburu Odinga, speaking on behalf of the committee, said the party had agreed to pursue pre-election engagements with like-minded political groups to safeguard its interests and influence.
In a statement issued after the meeting, ODM deputy party leader Oburu Odinga, speaking on behalf of the committee, said the party had agreed to pursue pre-election engagements with like-minded political groups to safeguard its interests and influence.
“The committee expressed its intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance. To this end, we have mandated the party leader to commence this process,” the statement read.
The move marks a significant development given the long-standing rivalry between ODM and UDA, which were on opposing sides of the political divide until the handshake-style cooperation that emerged after 2024.
While ODM officials were careful to describe the talks as exploratory, political observers say the decision opens the door to a possible realignment ahead of 2027.
According to the party, the proposed engagements will be deliberate and issue-based, focusing on shared national interests rather than short-term political convenience.
According to the party, the proposed engagements will be deliberate and issue-based, focusing on shared national interests rather than short-term political convenience.
ODM said it is keen to avoid informal or rushed arrangements that could weaken its internal cohesion.
At the same time, the party announced plans to roll out nationwide consultations with its members to ensure that any political direction taken reflects grassroots views.
At the same time, the party announced plans to roll out nationwide consultations with its members to ensure that any political direction taken reflects grassroots views.
These consultations are expected to feed into a future National Delegates Convention (NDC), where major party decisions are traditionally debated and ratified.
Beyond coalition politics, the Central Committee also reviewed ODM’s organisational standing and its 10-Point Agenda, particularly the issue of compensating victims of past public protests.
Beyond coalition politics, the Central Committee also reviewed ODM’s organisational standing and its 10-Point Agenda, particularly the issue of compensating victims of past public protests.
Following a court ruling that declared the previously proposed panel of experts unlawful, the party resolved that any compensation process should now be handled through the constitutionally recognised Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Internal dynamics also came into focus during the Kilifi meeting after questions emerged over the absence of some senior party officials, notably ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi.
Addressing the issue, Oburu dismissed suggestions of internal discord, saying both leaders had sent apologies citing logistical challenges that prevented them from attending the meeting.
Sifuna’s absence, however, has attracted attention given his past hard-line stance against cooperation with President Ruto’s administration.
Internal dynamics also came into focus during the Kilifi meeting after questions emerged over the absence of some senior party officials, notably ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi.
Addressing the issue, Oburu dismissed suggestions of internal discord, saying both leaders had sent apologies citing logistical challenges that prevented them from attending the meeting.
Sifuna’s absence, however, has attracted attention given his past hard-line stance against cooperation with President Ruto’s administration.
In 2025, the Nairobi senator openly declared that he would rather quit ODM than engage with the Kenya Kwanza government, a position that resonated with sections of the party’s base.
His tone later softened following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, after which Sifuna said he did not want to be seen as a factor that could weaken the party.
His tone later softened following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, after which Sifuna said he did not want to be seen as a factor that could weaken the party.
He subsequently called for internal dialogue to resolve disagreements and preserve ODM’s unity.
The Kilifi resolutions come at a time when opposition politics remains fluid, with several leaders weighing their options ahead of 2027.
The Kilifi resolutions come at a time when opposition politics remains fluid, with several leaders weighing their options ahead of 2027.
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