The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced that its National Delegates Council (NDC) will meet on March 27, a key gathering expected to shape the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a rally at Posta Grounds in Migori on Sunday, March 1, 2026, ODM leader Oburu Odinga outlined the party’s plans to engage in talks with other like-minded formations, starting with its current partners in the broad-based government, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

“As a party of ODM, we are ready to go into negotiations with other formations in the country, the like-minded,” Oburu said during the rally. “I know there are a few of them, but we are starting negotiations with our current partners in the broad-based government, which is UDA. And my party has given me authority to start negotiations.”

He noted that even sharing the intention to start discussions has unsettled some people.

“Just the intention to start is making some people very uneasy. Some people wameanza kuhara. How about when it comes to the real ones, the negotiations?” he asked the crowd.

NDC set for debate

Oburu stressed that real negotiations will take place and the NDC will provide a platform for debate. Oburu made the remark with a clear target in mind. It aimed at the faction within ODM – often called the Linda Mwananchi group, linked to figures like Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, and others – that strongly opposes deeper engagement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the broad-based government.

“We have called NDC on 27th of this month and we are inviting them to come and if they have anything that they want to say, let them tell the people of Kenya through our NDC there and we shall meet them there,” he declared.

The NDC is ODM’s top decision-making body and will review the party’s progress, including the 10-point agenda tied to the arrangement with UDA. Oburu assured supporters that the agenda remains central and will be fully implemented.

National Chairperson Gladys Wanga supported this position, emphasising that ODM remains open to any coalition that delivers power in 2027. She warned that ignoring the agenda could create political problems.

Other speakers at the rally, including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, backed Oburu’s direction. Junet suggested ambitions for the deputy president’s role under any future arrangement.

Oburu also addressed claims that his leadership lacks legitimacy. He referenced critics who argue his role—and others—are interim without a proper NDC endorsement.

The March 27 NDC comes as coalition talks gain momentum. Oburu’s mandate from ODM allows him to lead the discussions, and he dismissed fears that engagement with UDA could weaken the party’s position. Instead, he said the talks are aimed at strengthening ODM’s influence.