The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans to open structured negotiations with other political formations, including the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as part of its preparations for the next general election.
The decision was reached on Monday, January 12, following a meeting of the ODM Central Committee held in Kilifi County, where party leaders reviewed ODM’s political, organisational, and strategic standing.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Oburu Oginga, speaking on behalf of the Central Committee, said the party had resolved to pursue pre-election political alliances as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its national footprint.
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According to the committee, the ODM Party Leader has now been formally mandated to initiate negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance, a move that marks a significant political shift given the long-standing rivalry between the two parties prior to 2024.
“The Committee meeting expressed the 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.
ODM emphasised that the proposed talks would be structured and deliberate, focusing on shared interests and the evolving political landscape, rather than short-term or ad hoc arrangements.
At the same time, the party announced plans to conduct nationwide internal consultations with its members to ensure that any political realignment reflects the views and aspirations of its grassroots supporters.
These consultations are expected to guide the party’s final position and will ultimately culminate in a National Delegates Convention, where major decisions are traditionally ratified.
During the meeting, the Central Committee also deliberated on the implementation of ODM’s 10-Point Agenda, with particular focus on the compensation of victims of public protests.
Following a court ruling that declared the panel of experts on compensation unlawful, the party resolved that any such compensation should instead be channelled through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which is constitutionally recognised.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Oburu Oginga was questioned about the absence of key party figures, including ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Otsotsi.
He downplayed any suggestion of internal rifts, explaining that both leaders had sent apologies after being logistically unable to attend the Kilifi meeting.
Sifuna, who has been one of the fiercest critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration within ODM, had previously stated in 2025 that he would rather leave the party than engage President William Ruto.
However, his stance later softened following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, after which he expressed a willingness to reconcile internal party differences, saying he did not want to be the reason ODM faltered.
ODM’s latest move signals a potential realignment in Kenya’s political landscape, with the party positioning itself for broader engagement as the countdown to the next general election gathers pace.