ODM vows to remain in broad-based government, to uphold unity

The Orange Democratic Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to remain part of President William Ruto’s broad-based government.

The announcement comes despite growing speculation of divisions within the party over whether it should pull out.

Speaking after a Central Management Committee meeting held in Nairobi on Monday, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna dismissed claims of disunity and insisted that the party would uphold the late Raila Odinga’s vision of a unified and peaceful nation.

“We reiterate the commitment of the party to the broad-based government until 2027, a relationship guided by the ten-point agenda entered into for the sake of peace and stability of the country,” said Sifuna.

He emphasised that ODM’s participation in government was not an act of submission, but rather a continuation of Raila’s statesmanship and his desire to see Kenya move forward in unity.

“ODM is not just a political party; it is a covenant. A covenant that we, the living, must now renew,” Sifuna said.

“Let us resist the temptation to scatter in despair, or to fight over his political inheritance as leaders often do when giants fall.”

Sifuna maintained that ODM remains united and will stay focused on its core mission of representing the people’s interests.

He accused some sections of the media of attempting to sensationalise internal debates and create unnecessary tension within the party.

I beseech the media to avoid the tendency for sensationalism and the incessant hunt for negative news within the party,” he said.

“ODM’s biggest problem now will not be which faction is winning against which one, or whether indeed there exist factions within the party.”

He added that ODM’s leadership is determined to keep the party stable and united as it adjusts to life without its long-time leader, Raila, who was laid to rest earlier this month in Siaya County.

Earlier, at a separate event, ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi reiterated that Raila had explicitly wished for the party to continue cooperating with President Ruto’s administration.

Wanga recalled that the late ODM leader’s last public instruction came during the burial of veteran politician Dr Phoebe Asiyo, where he urged ODM members to support the government’s agenda for peace and unity.

Junet Mohamed echoed the same sentiment, saying Raila had made it clear that ODM would “either form the government or be part of it.”

Mbadi added that remaining in the broad-based government was not a betrayal of ODM’s principles but a fulfilment of Raila’s political philosophy.

Sifuna also announced that the party had resolved to hold a series of memorial services across the country in honour of Raila.