Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Organizing Secretary Ruth Odinga has issued a firm call for adherence to party structures and constitutional processes amid growing internal debate over the party’s direction, cooperation with the ruling coalition, and preparations for the 2027 General Election. In a detailed reflection, she emphasized that ODM’s strength lies in the supremacy of its members and strict observance of its constitution, warning against shortcuts that could undermine internal democracy and party unity.
Ruth Odinga underscored that ODM remains a “party of the people, for the people,” precisely because its decision-making is anchored in clearly defined organs with distinct mandates. While acknowledging growing calls for an immediate National Delegates Conference (NDC), she cautioned that such demands overlook the sequential and deliberate processes laid out in the ODM Constitution. According to her, insisting on jumping straight to the NDC risks misinformation, procedural illegitimacy, and deepening internal tensions.
She pointed to the recent meeting of the Central Management Committee (CMC) held in Vipingo, Kilifi County, describing it as a critical but preliminary step in the party’s policy-making process. As the “engine room” of ODM, the CMC is constitutionally mandated to formulate policy proposals for consideration by higher organs. Among the key issues discussed was ODM’s preparedness for the 2027 elections, including the committee’s endorsement of talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The committee defended ongoing cooperation with Kenya Kwanza and called for party unity at a time of heightened internal debate.
However, Ruth Odinga stressed that the CMC’s role ends at policy formulation. The responsibility now shifts to the National Executive Committee (NEC), which she described as the party’s central executive organ tasked with implementing decisions of higher bodies and supervising day-to-day operations. She formally placed the responsibility on ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, urging her to exercise her constitutional mandate under Article 6.3.3(vii) to convene the NEC. Without this step, she argued, the party risks paralysis and confusion.
She further explained that the NEC meeting is a necessary gateway to the National Governing Council (NGC), the party’s second-highest organ. The NGC plays a critical oversight role, ensuring that resolutions and recommendations are properly coordinated and implemented across the country. Only after these organs have fully deliberated can ODM legitimately convene the National Delegates Conference (NDC).
Ruth Odinga reaffirmed that the NDC, as defined under Article 7.2.1 of the ODM Constitution, remains the supreme organ of the party. It is the only forum with final authority to determine party policy, review and ratify party laws, adopt or amend the manifesto, and nominate ODM’s presidential candidate. Any attempt to rush or bypass constitutional stages, she warned, weakens the very democratic foundation that distinguishes ODM from other political formations.
Her remarks come at a time when ODM faces internal pressure from competing viewpoints on cooperation with the ruling coalition, leadership succession, and electoral strategy. By calling for discipline, order, and respect for party institutions, Ruth Odinga positioned herself as a voice of constitutionalism and internal cohesion within the party.
In concluding her message, she urged ODM members to abandon informal wrangles and factional politics in favor of structured, constitutional engagement. Following the laid-out path—from the NEC to the NGC and ultimately the NDC—she argued, is the surest way to build a resilient, united, and focused party capable of securing its future and remaining true to its founding values.
