Unified resolve highlighted amid disagreements concerning a pact with Ruto's political group, according to ODM declarations.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially reaffirmed its support for President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, committing to work collaboratively on the broad-based government agenda[1][2][3]. This renewed commitment was formalized in a Central Committee meeting chaired by ODM leader Raila Odinga on July 29, 2025, where the party resolved to form a 10-member technical committee to work jointly with UDA counterparts in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier in March 2025[1][2].
The alliance, while officially intact and moving towards cooperation, still navigates internal rifts within ODM and hesitations from some members about the extent of support for the Kenya Kwanza administration[2]. Raila Odinga has been conducting a nationwide consultation tour to mend party divisions and energize the base. ODM’s collaboration with UDA under this broad-based government framework is seen as critical for maintaining political stability and crafting Kenya’s future, especially as the 2027 General Election approaches[2].
The MoU focuses on addressing socio-economic challenges, protecting citizens' protest rights, and curbing extrajudicial killings after the 2024 Gen Z protests. However, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna had previously expressed skepticism about the partnership due to unmet promises, citing incidents like the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody as a government failure to fulfill the MoU’s commitments[2]. Despite these reservations, the Central Committee’s resolution demonstrates a pragmatic move by ODM under Raila Odinga's leadership to stabilize the country and prioritize constitutional and democratic methods in addressing concerns[1][2].
In addition to the technical committee, ODM has also planned grassroots elections and the ODM at 20 celebrations as part of internal restructuring[4]. The party is also considering the appointment of a Cabinet Secretary to represent the Luhya and Luo communities, following the appointment of Wycliffe Oparanya by Ruto[5].
The ODM-Ruto alliance continues to face internal pressure, with some members urging caution and others advocating for a more aggressive approach. Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna accused UDA of failing to honor the MoU and urged ODM to walk away from the arrangement, but allies of Odinga described his position as personal and contrary to the party line[6]. ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi and Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala have warned that failure to protect the Secretary General could trigger a rebellion[6].
In summary:
| Aspect | Status/Details | |--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | ODM's public stance | Full support for Kenya Kwanza administration and cooperation with President Ruto’s government | | Technical committee | 10-member ODM-UDA team to oversee MoU implementation | | Key leader | Raila Odinga (party leader), Edwin Sifuna (Secretary General) | | Internal rifts | Exist, with some skepticism about UDA partnership and unmet MoU promises | | MoU focus | Address socio-economic challenges, protect protest rights, curb extrajudicial killings | | Political context | Effort to stabilize the country and unite political base ahead of 2027 elections | | Internal pressure | Sifuna's criticism, potential rebellion if Sifuna not protected | | Grassroots elections & ODM at 20 | Planned as part of internal restructuring | | Appointment of CS | Consideration for a representative of the Luhya and Luo communities |
[1] Standard Digital, “ODM reaffirms support for Ruto’s government,” July 30, 2025. [2] The Star, “ODM reaffirms support for Ruto’s government despite internal tensions,” July 30, 2025. [3] The Nairobian, “ODM reaffirms support for Ruto’s government, forms technical committee,” July 30, 2025. [4] Daily Nation, “ODM to hold grassroots elections, ODM at 20 celebrations as part of internal restructuring,” August 1, 2025. [5] The Daily Post, “Wycliffe Oparanya appointed as a CS by Ruto, benefits the Luhya and Luo communities,” July 31, 2025. [6] The People Daily, “Sifuna accused of betrayal, Osotsi warns of rebellion,” August 1, 2025.
- The epaper articles indicate that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formed a 10-member technical committee with UDA counterparts to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025, a move aimed at tackling issues such as war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, health, and general-news in Kenya under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
- Despite the ODM's renewed commitment to work collaboratively with the Kenya Kwanza administration, there still exist internal rifts within the party, with some members voicing skepticism about the effectiveness of the MoU due to unmet promises, as highlighted by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
- As the 2027 General Election approaches, ODM leaders, including Raila Odinga, are focusing on strategies to mend party divisions, unite the political base, and maintain political stability, demonstrating a pragmatic approach towards addressing war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and general-news concerns.
