In a very impactful and sudden change of the political landscape in Kenya, especially concerning the new elections of 2027, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has already begun to make a bold statement that it is going to be one of the actors of the new government; this is indeed a change from its long-standing definition as a mere opposition party.
The top ODM officials held an emergency Central Committee meeting in Kilifi County today and took the decision to start systematic talks with politicians of other parties, mainly highlighting the alliance with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
This already bold action indicates a major transformation in the political scale of Kenya that has occurred recently; the last major one was the passing of ODM’s founder and fighter for democracy, Raila Odinga.
Senator Oburu Oginga, who is the Central Management Committee’s representative, has therefore made it officially known that he will be leading the early talks with President Ruto’s group that can eventually lead to a new coalition in Kenya that is one hundred percent on the government’s side.
This move highlights the deep and intricate strategic thinking inside ODM as it attempts to stretch its influence throughout the country and not just within its strongholds.
“The Committee’s meeting declared that it would start structured negotiations with different political formations, the first being the United Democratic Alliance… At the same time, the party will continue to consult its members,” said the party statement, which shows that taking into consideration the opinions of the grassroots will be part of the strategy that will be presented at the upcoming National Delegates Convention that is going to be decisive.
Political experts are viewing the development as a considerable change in ODM’s position and probably an alliance surprise.
The talks are being held under the pressure of the internal situation in ODM to protect its legacy and not to break apart in the post‑Raila era, with some leaders advocating for the formal coalition to be strong enough to gain power in 2027.
President Ruto has already indicated his willingness to work with ODM, and now, he may find himself negotiating with a party that was once considered his strongest opponent. If this alliance is formed, it will not only alter the electoral map but also change political allegiance in the run-up to one of the most decisive elections in Kenya’s recent history.
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