NAIROBI — Raila Odinga has called his party’s lawmakers to a strategy meeting on Monday morning, hours before Parliament resumes after a long recess.
The Orange Democratic Movement leader is expected to rally his troops as the party prepares to mark its 20th anniversary and grapples with growing divisions in its ranks.
The meeting, scheduled for 8.30 a.m. at the Argyle Grand Hotel on Mombasa Road, will bring together ODM members from both the National Assembly and the Senate. Invitations were issued by Minority Leader Junet Mohamed in a memo dated 18 September.
“Our party leader, the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, will be in attendance and the agenda will include preparations for the 20th anniversary, parliamentary business and other matters of importance to the party,” Junet wrote.
The anniversary celebrations are planned for 9–12 October in Mombasa. Raila is also due in Kisii on Friday for a pre-anniversary event drawing delegates and supporters from Nyanza and Western regions.
Last weekend, ODM staged similar festivities in Wajir, part of a nationwide build-up to the milestone.
Yet beneath the fanfare, the party is facing turbulence. Younger lawmakers, led by ODM secretary-general and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, have openly resisted support for the broad-based government. They have rallied under the “Kenya Moja” banner, joined by MPs Anthony Kibagendi, Babu Owino, Caleb Amisi, Obadia Barongo and Clive Gisairo.
In contrast, a bloc led by Junet, Peter Kaluma, George Aladwa and Sam Atandi has spoken in favour of the arrangement, which also ties into President William Ruto’s bid for a second term.
Analysts say the divisions could shape the party’s stance in the House, where upcoming debates on legislation and policy are likely to expose the cracks. ODM’s ability to project unity, they add, may depend on whether Raila can balance the competing voices as the anniversary approaches.
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