The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has endorsed its collaboration with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The party asserts that the partnership aims to promote national stability and inclusive governance.
During a meeting led by Party Leader Raila Odinga, the ODM Central Committee, the party’s highest decision-making body, declared its full support for the memorandum of understanding between ODM and UDA. They committed to working together to implement a jointly agreed 10-point agenda.
“The party supports the position of Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration to stabilize the country and create an enabling environment for Kenyans to address their concerns through democratic and constitutional means,” the official resolutions stated.
The statement was presented by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who had previously expressed concerns regarding certain aspects of the ODM-UDA cooperation.
To facilitate the implementation of the MoU, Sifuna announced the formation of a technical committee to collaborate with UDA counterparts. He observed that the lack of such a committee, despite being stipulated in the agreement, had hindered progress.
“Of great concern is the full implementation of the NADCO report, promotion and protection of the livelihoods of young people, the right to peaceful assembly and protests, the rule of law and constitutionalism, corruption and wastage of public resources,” the committee stated.
Despite internal disagreements, the committee stressed it had forged “an unbreakable unity of purpose,” with a renewed commitment to ensuring that ODM continues to serve the people’s interests and remains dedicated to a transformative national agenda.
Though some members have expressed reservations, today’s decision by ODM strengthens Raila’s commitment to working withPresident Ruto within a broad-based political coalition, at least until 2027, when the party will clarify its position on whether to support Ruto’s re-election, pursue an independent path, or form alliances with other parties.
