The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has sought to project unity amid months of internal wrangles, announcing that 35 county chairpersons and county assembly majority and minority leaders have reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and endorsed its continued participation in the broad-based government.

In a statement issued after a high-level meeting in Nairobi on Monday, July 27, 2026, the party said the leaders unanimously pledged their commitment to ODM and to the broad-based arrangement, which it said was initiated by the late party leader Raila Odinga.

The meeting brought together county chairpersons and county assembly leaders from across the country and was attended by ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga, Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and Council of County Chairpersons Chairman Fernandes Barasa.

“Party County Chairpersons and Majority & Minority Leaders from the various County Assemblies across the country met today in Nairobi, where they affirmed their commitment to the party and the broad-based government, an idea that was initiated by our departed Party Leader, the late Raila Amolo Odinga,” ODM wrote on X.

“35 Chairpersons attended the meeting. The meeting was cordial and was graced by PL @DrOburu_O, DPL @SimbaArati (the host), SG @HonOmanyo @JunetMohamed and Chairman of the Council of County Chairpersons (CoCC) @BarasaFernandes. The party is strong. The party is united. The party remains organized.”

Show of unity amid internal divisions

The latest declaration comes against the backdrop of prolonged internal disagreements over the party’s political direction following Raila Odinga’s death and ODM’s decision to work with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration through the broad-based government arrangement.

The arrangement has divided the party into rival camps.

One faction, aligned with the party leadership, has defended participation in government as necessary to advance Raila’s vision of national unity and constitutional governance.

Another group, popularly associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement and led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has openly criticised the broad-based government, arguing that ODM should return to its traditional opposition role.

Leadership insists party remains intact

The Monday’s meeting appeared aimed at reinforcing confidence in ODM’s leadership and organisational structures after months of speculation about possible defections and internal fractures.

ODM has repeatedly maintained that its governing organs remain functional under the leadership of Oburu Odinga, who assumed party leadership following Raila’s death and was later confirmed as the substantive party leader.

Party officials have also insisted that supporting the broad-based government does not amount to dissolving ODM’s identity but rather reflects a strategic political decision intended to influence governance while preserving the party’s structures.

Linda Mwananchi continues parallel mobilisation

The renewed unity message comes even as leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement continue holding political rallies and consultations across the country.

Over the weekend, the group toured Trans Nzoia County before heading to Bungoma for a homecoming rally hosted by Senator Edwin Sifuna.

The movement has attracted several leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who has since joined Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP Party, and other political figures who have advocated an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna has recently maintained that the movement is preparing a policy-driven agenda and has claimed that several politicians currently serving in rival political formations have privately expressed interest in joining it.