ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has clarified that the Orange Democratic Movement is not part of the government, despite being in a broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Oburu stated that the agreement reached under the leadership of the late Raila Odinga does not constitute a coalition and should not be mistaken for full government integration.

Oburu said the party is instead focused on strengthening its internal structures as it closely monitors the implementation of the agreement signed between ODM and the government. He urged party members to remain united and disciplined as ODM prepares for what he described as a decisive year ahead.

“ODM Party was left by Raila Odinga in a Broad-Based agreement with Kenya Kwanza, but we are not fully intergrated in to the government, we are just in a Broad-Based arrangement that does not result in a coalition. We are working very hard to strengthen our party. I am urging the members of ODM to remain United, focused and remain steadfast in their pursuit of the People’s interests that are contained in the 10-point agenda, which were clearly stated by our party and which was signed by our late party leader with President William Ruto,” Oburu said

The senator noted that ODM is carefully monitoring whether the government will honour the commitments contained in the agreement, saying the party has not yet reached a point where it can declare success. He cautioned members against premature political conclusions and slogans suggesting that ODM has already settled its future direction.

“We are keenly watching the implementation of those sections of the agreement we have with them. As to the weather, we willbe successful with the implementation, only God knows. We are not yet there, those talking of wantam and tutam, we are not yet there. 2026, which we are entering, is a very crucial year for our party,” Oburu Odinga stated

ODM to make key decisions in 2026

Oburu described 2026 as a turning point for ODM, saying key decisions about alliances, coalitions, or going it alone will be made before the year ends. He said the choices ODM makes in 2026 will shape the party’s strategy and partnerships ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Before the end of 2026, Oburu said, the party expects to have clarity on its political path and the partners, if any, it will work with going into the next election cycle.

“Before the end of 2026, we will have clearly known our path and made the necessary arrangements going into 2027. Before the end of the year, we will know if we are going it alone or making coalitions with other parties, and we shall have by that time known who we are going with.” Oburu said