The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Management Committee is holding its first high-level meeting since the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in a crucial session expected to shape the party’s future direction and preserve its unity.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. Oburu Odinga, the acting party leader and Raila’s elder brother, aims to review preparations for the upcoming ODM 20th Anniversary celebrations and evaluate progress on the 10-point agreement signed with the national government earlier this year.
At the top of the agenda are the November 27 by-elections, which ODM considers pivotal in maintaining its position as the Minority Party in Parliament. The elections will serve as an early test of the party’s organizational strength in a post-Raila era.
According to party insiders, the meeting will also address recent internal tensions and reaffirm ODM’s commitment to national unity and internal democracy. Oburu has emphasized the need for calm and focus, assuring members that the party remains guided by Raila’s vision of justice, equity, and reform.
“This is not a time for division. It’s a time to honor Raila’s legacy by keeping ODM strong and united,” Oburu stated ahead of the session.
Political observers have closely watched ODM’s transition following Raila’s passing. Some analysts have praised the swift appointment of Dr. Oburu Odinga as a stabilizing move, ensuring continuity within the party. Others, however, have expressed concern that the quick succession could deepen regional and factional divides if inclusivity is not prioritized.
Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir echoed the need for collective effort, saying the meeting “reflects ODM’s commitment to continuity amid transition” and urged leaders to rally around Raila’s vision for a just and democratic Kenya.
As ODM prepares to mark two decades since its founding, today’s meeting symbolizes both reflection and renewal. The leadership must now strike a delicate balance, safeguarding Raila’s legacy while opening space for emerging voices within the party.
With Kenya’s political climate shifting rapidly ahead of future elections, ODM’s ability to manage this transition effectively will determine not only its survival but also its continued role as a key player in shaping the nation’s democratic landscape.
