The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has taken a firm position on working under the broad-based government following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
This comes after ODM leaders during Raila’s burial expressed differing interpretations of the late leader’s final instructions on working with President William Ruto.
Speaking at the funeral service on Sunday, October 19, some ODM bigwigs expressed support for a broad-based government, while others cautioned about preserving the party’s identity.
ODM Declares It Will Remain in Broad-Based Government Until 2027
In a statement released after the ODM Central Committee meeting at Chungwa House on Monday, October 27, the party said it will remain part of the broad-based government until 2027.
“We reiterate the commitment of the party Broad Based government until 2027 a relationship guided by the 10 point agenda entered into for the sake of peace and the stability of the country,” read the statement in part.
At the same time, the ODM Central Committee warned members and leadership against division and fighting over Raila Odinga’s inheritance, which could lead to the fragmentation of the party.
“We now call upon the leadership and membership of the party to rally around the leaders’ dreams and desires for this beloved movement and work together,” the party said.
“No one will be able to fill the massive shoes left behind, but the unity of purpose will be a key factor in navigating the next 15 months.”
The committee noted that whatever ideological and political competitions exist within the movement must remain healthy, as Raila himself desired, while laying a strong foundation for the next election and beyond.
This, according to them, will ensure that ODM, as a “national party and one of the most consequential in the last 20 years, does not fade from the scene.”
Also Read: Babu Owino Pens Glowing Tribute to Raila Odinga Amid ODM Succession Fireworks
Party Succession Row
The committee admitted that the immediate post-Raila period will be difficult, but they do not have the luxury of time, as both the 20th anniversary celebrations and the November 27th by-elections require their attention.
“Elected leaders and party officials bear a crucial responsibility to reach out to party members across the country, to comfort and assure them that the journey of the late Raila is still ongoing, and we will remain relentless in pursuing it,” the committee said.
Also Read: ODM Bigwigs Clash Over Raila’s Final Words on Supporting Ruto in 2027
According to the Central committee, Raila built the movement on the foundation of democracy, equity, inclusion, and truth.
“ODM is not just a political party; it is a covenant—a covenant that we, the living, must now renew,” it read further.
They urged leaders and members to resist the temptation to scatter in despair or fight over his political inheritance, as leaders often do when giants fall.
“True inheritance is not a name or a position but a mission. That mission is to continue the struggle for a Kenya that works for all children, regardless of tribe, class, or creed,” ODM noted.
“We commit, as we did during the funeral, that we will not be responsible for any breakup in the party or any unnecessary political turbulence that runs counter to Jakome’s dream.”
They noted that ODM’s biggest problem now is not which faction is winning against which, or whether factions even exist within the party. Leaders have urged members and the public to focus on cohesion rather than perceived divisions.
The party emphasized its diverse composition, representing communities from across the country. While differences in perspective exist, ODM leaders said they remain committed to avoiding the pitfalls of division and strengthening the party’s collective mission.
Meanwhile, the party announced plans to hold nationwide memorial events in honour of the late Raila Odinga.
The events will be conducted in major towns, giving Kenyans an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of the former Prime Minister.
According to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the memorials will kick off in Kilifi County on November 2 and 3 before proceeding to Homa Bay and Migori on November 5 and 6.
ODM further announced that its 20th anniversary celebrations, themed ‘ODM at 20’, will take place on November 15 and 16 in Mombasa County.
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