Leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have dismissed claims that the recent broad-based engagement between party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto amounted to the formation of a political coalition.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at PAG Church in Kawangware, the leaders maintained that the talks were conditional and strictly focused on governance reforms, not political alignment with the ruling administration.
Siaya Governor James Orengo said Raila Odinga was clear about the terms of engagement, emphasizing that the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report remains non-negotiable.
“The broad-based pact between Raila and Ruto did not indicate the formation of a coalition. Raila was clear that the NADCO report must be implemented. If Ruto is truly Raila’s friend, he should open the servers so Kenyans can see the truth,” Orengo said.
ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna warned against attempts to undermine the party’s leadership or disrespect Raila Odinga’s family. He firmly ruled out any coalition with leaders he accused of betraying the younger generation.
“I ask that Raila Odinga’s family be respected. If you did not have the courage to interfere with Mama Ida or his family when Raila was active, where is that courage coming from now? ODM will not enter a coalition with those who killed Gen Zs,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna also cautioned that any attempt to remove him as ODM Secretary General would have serious consequences for the party, insisting that ODM remains strong and independent.
“If anyone tries to remove me as Secretary General, that will mark the end of ODM. This party cannot be sold. ODM remains the largest party in the country,” he added.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino took a defiant stance, declaring that ODM would not bow to intimidation. He called for internal democracy within the party and demanded the convening of a National Delegates Convention (NDC).
“As ODM, we will not worship the god of Nebuchadnezzar. They can come with clubs and guns, but we will stand firm,” Babu said.
He added that if party leadership failed to convene an NDC, members would collect 1,600 signatures to force one, insisting that the party must openly chart its future leadership.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi accused unnamed individuals of attempting to destabilize ODM through financial inducements, alleging that money was being used to divide the party.
“They want to destroy Raila’s party and we will not allow it. ODM is not a party of corruption. The money being ferried in sacks is SHA money meant to bribe ODM members into destabilizing the party,” Osotsi said.
The leaders reaffirmed that ODM’s focus remains on accountability, party unity, and the implementation of agreed governance reforms, firmly rejecting suggestions that the party has entered into a coalition with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
