The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has held a crucial Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting in Vipingo, Kilifi County, against the backdrop of emerging internal divisions over leadership positions and the party’s future political direction.
The meeting was convened by senior party leader Oburu Odinga, who said the gathering was aimed at fostering consultation and addressing both national and internal party issues at a critical political moment.
“I convened a meeting of the ODM Central Management Committee in Vipingo, Kilifi, in my capacity as Party Leader, for a consultative discussion and engagement on emerging political and national issues,” Oburu wrote on X.
“As the Orange Democratic Movement, we remain firmly committed to internal consultation, unity of purpose, and principled leadership.”
He added that the party continues to listen to its members and the wider Kenyan public as it charts its path forward.
Notable Absences Raise Questions
However, the meeting was marked by the absence of several senior ODM figures, most notably Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who did not attend.
The SG whose cause fro absence ramains unknows, has recently come under criticism from a section of party members, accused of engaging in “double speak” regarding ODM’s participation in President William Ruto’s government under the broad-based government initiative.
The initiative, which was brokered by the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga, has continued to divide opinion within the party, with some members supporting engagement for national stability while others argue it risks diluting ODM’s opposition identity.
NDC Push Adds to Tensions
The meeting comes hot on the heels of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s renewed push for the party to convene a National Delegates Convention (NDC).
Babu has argued that an NDC is necessary to resolve outstanding leadership and policy questions and to give party members a clear voice on ODM’s future direction.
With debates intensifying over ODM’s relationship with the government and internal leadership cohesion, the coming weeks are expected to be critical in charting the party’s course.
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