On October 31, 2026, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Oginga addressed supporters virtually, dismissing claims that the party had joined President William Ruto's administration unconditionally. Oburu asserted that ODM's participation in the broad-based government is intentional and strategic, guided by structured negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election. He emphasized that the party is not in the government blindly, but rather consciously and with a clear understanding of their actions.
Oburu clarified the operational distinction between their current alignment and a formal political partnership, noting that a broad-based government operates under a different framework than a structured coalition. He revealed that the party has appointed a five-member technical team to handle ongoing policy and constitutional frameworks, ensuring their engagement is within legal and statutory boundaries.
A dedicated coalition negotiation team, jointly appointed by ODM and President Ruto's camp, will be established before February 2027 to chart the formal way forward. Oburu emphasized that this team will be different from the technical team, and its establishment is a crucial step towards a potential formal coalition.
Oburu addressed public friction among party leaders regarding whether to back President Ruto's reelection conditionally or unconditionally, calling for party discipline and warning members against making statements that contradict official party policy. He urged members to follow the party's policies as they move towards the 2027 General Election.
The rally, which concluded the month-long Mwezi wa Baba events, honored the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Oburu praised his late brother's lifelong fight against oppression, describing ODM as one of the most powerful political movements in Africa.
The event at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi brought together key ODM and government figures, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed. Oburu also thanked Kenyans for their prayers and quick recovery wishes during his recent illness, expressing confidence in the party's direction.
As ODM continues to navigate its role in the broad-based government, the party's leadership is focused on maintaining unity and discipline among its members. With the 2027 General Election approaching, ODM's strategic engagement with President Ruto's administration will likely remain a key aspect of Kenyan politics.
Key points
- ODM's participation in the broad-based government is intentional and strategic, guided by structured negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- A dedicated coalition negotiation team will be established before February 2027 to chart the formal way forward.
- Oburu Oginga has called for party discipline and warned members against making statements that contradict official party policy.
