Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has reaffirmed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will continue to be part of President William Ruto’s broad-based government, even after the passing of its long-time leader Raila Odinga.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Kaluma said ODM remains committed to the unity government built on equity, inclusivity, and national cohesion, and will uphold its collaboration with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under their existing memorandum of understanding (MoU).
He emphasized that while ODM will maintain its independent political identity, it will continue working within the framework established by Raila Odinga and President Ruto.
“ODM is and will remain a distinct political party. We are in the Broad-Based Government created by Baba and President Ruto for equity, inclusivity, and national unity and this will continue beyond 2027,” Kaluma stated.
Kaluma also called on NARC–Kenya leader Martha Karua and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to respect Odinga’s legacy and refrain from publicly criticising the party’s current political stance.
“It is too early to move from one media station to the next, discrediting Baba’s legacy barely three days after his funeral. Please respect our culture. We will follow Baba’s political will and direction to the letter,” he wrote.
Kaluma’s remarks come amid growing uncertainty about ODM’s future following Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025, which left a leadership vacuum and questions about the party’s next chapter.
The broad-based government deal, signed in March 2025, redefined Kenya’s political landscape by bringing ODM formerly the main opposition into a power-sharing arrangement with UDA. While some party members see this partnership as a means of preserving political stability and national unity, others worry it may dilute ODM’s independence and reformist values.
During Raila Odinga’s state funeral at Nyayo Stadium, President William Ruto hailed the late leader as “a patriot who placed the nation above self.” Ruto described the broad-based government as one of Odinga’s “final acts of statesmanship,” pledging to honour that vision by ensuring ODM remains a vital partner in advancing inclusivity, stability, and national cohesion.
