Nairobi, Kenya – Leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Sunday strongly rejected claims that the broad-based pact between party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto signalled the formation of a political coalition.
Speaking during a church service at PAG Church in Kawangware, the leaders clarified that the engagement was conditional and centred on governance reforms, not political alignment.
Orengo: NADCO Report Must Be Implemented
Siaya Governor James Orengo insisted that Raila had been clear on the terms of engagement, emphasizing the importance of fully implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
“Broad-based pact between Raila and Ruto didn’t indicate formation of a coalition. Raila alisema lazima Nadco report itekelezwe. Kama Ruto ni rafiki ya Baba afungue server tuone kama alishinda,” Orengo said.
Sifuna: Respect Raila’s Family and ODM Leadership
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who also serves as ODM Secretary General, warned against attempts to undermine the party’s leadership or disrespect Raila Odinga’s family.
“Mimi naomba familia ya Raila Odinga iheshimiwe… Hatutaingia coalition ya wale waliuwa Gen Zs,” Sifuna declared.
He further cautioned that any move to remove him as Secretary General would have dire consequences for the party.
“If someone tries to remove Sifuna as ODM Sec Gen, that will be the end of ODM. ODM cannot be sold and remains the largest party in the country,” he said.
Babu Owino: Call for Internal Democracy
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino took a defiant stance, urging ODM to convene a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to strengthen internal democracy.
“Sisi kama ODM will not worship the god of Nebuchadnezzar. Wakuje na marungu na bunduki, we will go against them,” Babu said.
He added that if the leadership failed to call an NDC, members would mobilize signatures to force one, declaring:
“Baada ya Baba ni Babu.”
Osotsi: Rejecting Attempts to Destabilize ODM
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi accused unnamed individuals of trying to destabilize ODM using money.
“Wanataka kuvuruga chama ya Raila na hatutakubali. Chama cha ODM sio ya ufisadi. Hii pesa iko kwa magunia ni ya SHA ambayo inapewa watu wa ODM wavuruge chama,” Osotsi said.
ODM’s Position
The leaders reiterated that ODM’s focus remains on accountability, party unity, and the implementation of agreed reforms, dismissing suggestions that the party had entered into a coalition with the ruling administration.
Conclusion
Sunday’s remarks highlight ODM’s determination to maintain its independence and uphold Raila Odinga’s legacy. As internal debates continue, the party’s leadership insists that its engagement with President Ruto is strictly reform-driven, not a prelude to political merger.
