The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced the start of formal negotiations with other political groups as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
The decision was made by the party’s Central Committee during a meeting in Kilifi County on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The committee instructed ODM leader, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, to lead structured discussions, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Members of the party will also be consulted, with all talks aimed at shaping a National Delegates Convention. The party stressed that it must act swiftly to be ready for the upcoming elections.
“The committee meeting expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance,” the Central Committee said in a statement.
The directive comes as ODM strengthens its preparations for next year’s vote, focusing on policy development, organisational readiness, coalition building, and candidate selection. The party intends not only to compete but to position itself to form the next government.
The meeting also reviewed other key areas. ODM celebrated its 20th anniversary with a series of events that highlighted its role in advocating for democracy, social justice, and inclusive governance. The committee praised the high level of participation and effective organisation during the celebrations.
The committee also noted recent successes in the November 2025 by-elections, where ODM candidates won all three parliamentary seats contested. This, it said, demonstrated continued voter trust in the party.
In addition, the Central Committee reviewed progress on the party’s Ten-Point Agenda, particularly the issue of compensation for victims of public protests. Courts had previously ruled the proposed Panel of Experts unlawful, so the committee decided that any funds would be channelled through proper bodies, such as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The party also highlighted its clean financial record. For the twentieth consecutive year, auditors praised ODM’s accounts, confirming that it remains fully compliant with the Political Parties Act.
The Kilifi meeting, chaired by Oburu Oginga, followed extensive internal discussions. Some senior figures, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and deputy chairperson Otiende Amollo, did not attend, amid ongoing debates over the party’s direction and its engagement with the current government.
Oburu has repeatedly stressed the need for unity and broad consultation within ODM.
