The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has projected confidence and unity, with senior leaders insisting the party is well prepared for political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed reinforced that message on Sunday, April 19, 2026, after joining ODM leaders in Kendu, Homa Bay County, for a community event supporting the construction of a Muslim Centre.

He was accompanied by Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and other leaders, together with residents and members of the Muslim community.

Junet used the event to underline ODM’s internal strength and political direction.

“The ODM Party is stronger and ready for all political battles ahead,” he said. “What we demand without equivocation is mutual respect and honest engagement.”

He added that the party’s long-term political path remains clear and grounded in experience.

“Our political alliance is strong and our pathway to power well grounded on reality, history and our recent experiences,” Junet said. “We urge our people to stay steady behind our party — ODM — build the strength and keep the momentum. TUKO TAYARI.”

His remarks come at a time when ODM is managing both internal consolidation and early political discussions with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of possible cooperation frameworks in 2027.

Despite those discussions, ODM leaders continue to stress that the party remains focused on strengthening its base.

Coalition talks remain tense

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga has previously insisted that any future political arrangement must respect ODM’s conditions, including zoning agreements that would prevent direct competition in party strongholds.

At the same time, tensions have emerged between ODM and UDA over the structure of any potential coalition. UDA leaders have rejected zoning proposals, insisting that they will field candidates across the country without restrictions.

ODM acting party leader Oburu Odinga has, however, dismissed claims that formal coalition talks have stalled or been suspended.

Speaking earlier in Kisumu during a meeting with church leaders, Oburu said the process remains at an early stage.

“Issues being discussed in public are just people thinking aloud,” he said. “But the agenda is being prepared by our technical team. They are drafting a detailed agenda which will be made public soon; it will not remain a secret.”

He added that no official negotiations have started yet.

“We have not started negotiations as yet,” Oburu said, while also noting that ODM will protect its traditional political ground. “We are going to compete, and we are going to compete very fiercely. What we are saying is that we do not want to compete with people with whom we are going into partnership.”

Oburu, who took over ODM leadership after the death of Raila Odinga in October 2025, has sought to maintain party stability while managing growing political expectations.

Meanwhile, concerns remain within ODM over UDA’s expanding grassroots mobilisation, with some leaders warning that aggressive recruitment could weaken ODM’s support base in key regions.