The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has taken an early step toward the 2027 General Election, with its Central Management Committee authorising party leader Oburu Odinga to initiate talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the broad-based cooperation framework.
The decision was made during a Monday meeting in Kilifi County, where senior officials reviewed political and national issues shaping the party’s future.
“The committee meeting expressed intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with UDA. We have mandated the party leader to commence this process.”
Party officials said early engagement and structured planning were key to sharpening ODM’s competitiveness ahead of the polls, stressing that the party aims not just to participate, but to position itself to form the next government.
Speaking after the meeting, Oburu said the talks with UDA would run alongside wide internal consultations, which will eventually lead to a National Delegates Conference to make binding decisions on ODM’s political direction.
“The committee resolved that the party cannot wait to begin preparations, therefore directed that structured work commence immediately towards positioning ODM to not only contest next year’s elections, but to form the next government. Concurrently, consultations with party members will proceed, culminating in the national delegates convention.”
Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna were absent from the Kilifi meeting. Oburu said both missed their flights and sent apologies, amid public speculation that they have been critical of the broad-based arrangement.
“Sifuna and Osotsi missed their flights, so they both sent their apologies and had the permission to be absent from the meeting. There are no differences, whatever is going on is just democracy, as is allowed by our party.”
Later in Nairobi, a group of ODM MPs led by Budget and Appropriations Committee Chair Sam Atandi met to endorse the Kilifi resolutions, arguing that cooperation with UDA offers the most viable path to power in 2027.
“We want to say that we totally agree and support the resolution to begin negotiations with the UDA party for the sake of concluding a pre-election agreement for 2027.”
The seven-hour Kilifi meeting also reviewed ODM at 20 celebrations, the November 2025 by-elections, and progress on the broad-based government’s 10-point agenda. On compensation for victims of public protests, the party said any funds should be channelled through lawful institutions following a court ruling that nullified the earlier compensation panel.
“Noting that the courts have declared the proposed panel of experts on compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests unlawful, the committee proposes that any monies be channelled through constitutionally and legally recognized institutions, specifically KNCHR.”
