Inside Politics

Eddy Oketch calls on ODM to pause and reconnect with Raila’s vision

Thursday 19th February, 2026 12:15 AM| By Mustafa Juma

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to pause and reflect on its foundational principles.

Speaking on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, during an interview with a local TV station, Oketch reminded the Orange party members of the legacy of its late founder, Raila Odinga.

Oketch’s remarks come amid growing internal debates over party direction, alliances, and political strategies ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He argued that the one-term and two-term debates should be stopped, since they are the basis for separation among party members.

“The ODM party must take a pause and ask itself: have they forgotten what its founder, Raila Odinga, stood for? Their founder did not stand for whether you are one-term or two-term. These narratives are separating us,” Oketch said.

Migori Senator on abduction and lack of command responsibility — Migori County Senator Eddy Oketch during a past session of the Senate. PHOTO/@oketchgicheru/X

Alliances

The legislator emphasised that internal divisions and external alliances should not overshadow the party’s core principles and unity.

“We are stronger together as ODM than we are in trying to look for either partnership in these other ways,” he said.

Pre-election pacts

Oketch’s remarks come hours after Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga declared that it is too early for the ODM party to enter into a pre-election pact with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking on the night of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, during an interview with a local TV station, the late Raila Odinga’s young sister urged ODM to first address internal and policy commitments before pursuing new political alliances.

Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga, while speaking at Nyamira ACK, where the late Raila Odinga used to fellowship each Christmas. PHOTO//https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089817945495

Ruth said the ODM party must “get its house in order” before rushing into any pre-election agreement.

“It is very premature for ODM to have that pact. We really need to first get our house in order,” she said.

She went ahead to reference the party’s previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UDA, particularly the 10-point agenda, questioning why key commitments remain unresolved.

Among the issues she raised was the right to freedom of assembly, which she said must be addressed before any political handshake or pact discussions.