ODM headquarters/FILE
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has launched a strategy to reinforce its dominance in Western Kenya, just days after President William Ruto toured the region.
As part of its broader effort to consolidate support, ODM has scheduled a series of grassroots meetings with its branch leaders, aiming to counter UDA’s growing influence.
To jumpstart this plan, the party has organised a major convention in Western Kenya on February 28, where over 1,000 delegates are expected to participate.
Before the convention, ODM’s top leadership will meet regional leaders on February 9 to lay the groundwork for the gathering.
Additionally, the party has convened a Central Management Committee meeting to address emerging internal divisions regarding its stance on the Kenya Kwanza government and the 2027 elections.
On February 27, ODM will hold a leaders’ meeting in Bungoma County, where it plans to open a new party office.
The county is traditionally seen as a stronghold of Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya party, making it a key battleground in ODM’s strategy.
President Ruto’s recent tour of Western Kenya has raised concerns within ODM that it could lose ground to Kenya Kwanza, especially after UDA merged with Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi emphasized that the party is working towards a unified position on its relationship with Kenya Kwanza.
"The party, through the Central Management Committee, is going to discuss all the issues and take a common position on any matter," Osotsi said after a leaders’ meeting in Busia on Sunday.
He also announced that ODM will soon roll out a series of party activities in Western Kenya, starting with a regional leaders’ meeting in Kakamega on February 9.
“We have organised a regional convention to bring together 10,000 ODM delegates from Western Kenya on February 28 in Busia county,’’ Osotsi said.
According to Osotsi, ODM currently has no formal agreement with Kenya Kwanza, despite some of its key figures working in President Ruto’s administration.
"As of now, ODM has no official agreement with the Kenya Kwanza government. If that changes, we will be transparent with our party members," he stated.
Recently, sharp differences have emerged within ODM over its engagement with the Kenya Kwanza government.
On Monday, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma warned party members against airing internal disputes in public, saying such behavior could weaken the party’s unity.
"We cannot have a situation where top party officials contradict each other. ODM must speak with one voice," Otuoma said.
Among the leaders who have clashed publicly are Siaya Governor James Orengo, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Governor Wanga dismissed those calling on ODM to oppose President Ruto’s government, referring to them as “enemies who are friends with shareholders (Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua).”
"It is either you are with us or with the shareholders," Wanga stated, implying that ODM should not contradict itself by opposing Ruto’s government while some of its members collaborate with it.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service, Sifuna accused certain ODM members of forgetting the party’s principles.
"Some people in ODM have forgotten where the party came from and what it stands for. They now say they are tired of speaking for Kenyans, tired of being in the opposition, and tired of fighting for the people’s rights," Sifuna said.
These internal disagreements have fueled fears of a possible fallout within ODM, especially as party leader Raila Odinga pursues the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
Following Raila’s announcement of his exit from local politics, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o was appointed acting party leader, leaving ODM’s future leadership in flux.
As ODM moves to reassert its influence in Western Kenya, the party will have to navigate internal divisions, political realignments, and the growing pressure on UDA ahead of the 2027 elections.
