2027 Battle Lines Shift As ODM Reached Decision on Ruto Support

Just over a year before the 2027 General Election, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has signaled a shift in Kenya’s political landscape. The party’s Central Committee announced that it has initiated discussions with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a move seen as a strategic recalibration aimed at influencing the next electoral cycle.

According to a statement released after a high-level meeting in Kilifi County on 12 January 2026, the Committee convened to “evaluate the political, organizational, and strategic situation of the Party,” showing ODM’s readiness to act decisively as the country gears up for a critical election year.

The announcement represents a significant shift in the position and role of ODM, which has traditionally been viewed as a force in opposition, and appears to indicate the party’s willingness to realign its alliances in pursuit of state power.

The Committee, as per the statement, expressed confidence in the organizational prowess of ODM as a party as it readies for the “critical electoral cycle.”

ODM Marks 20 Years With Renewed Confidence

The Central Committee reviewed a detailed report on ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations and expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

The party said the celebrations were marked by “successful organisation, broad national participation, and political significance,” adding that they reaffirmed ODM’s “enduring relevance, resilience, and roots in the struggle for democracy, social justice, and inclusive governance.”

Party officials viewed the anniversary not just as a milestone but as a springboard for renewed mobilisation.

The leadership noted that the celebrations demonstrated ODM’s ability to convene supporters across the country at a time of shifting political dynamics.

Also Read: Inside ODM’s Plan to Stay in the Political Spotlight -Simba Arati

Clean Sweep in the By-Elections of November 2025

Secondly, ODM also emphasized its achievements during the November 2025 by-elections, during which the party presented its candidates to compete for seats in three parliamentary constituencies and won all the seats available.

According to the Committee, the win was the “expression of the confidence shown by voters to the ODM candidates.”

The by-election success was cited as proof that ODM remains strong at the grassroots level and competitive even when there isn’t an election cycle.

Early Start to 2027 General Election Preparations

With the general election less than two years away, the Central Committee has determined that “ODM cannot afford the luxury of waiting before the commencement of preparations.”

The party ordered the commencement of organized work towards positioning the party not only to contest the election but to form the next government.

The preparation efforts would involve policy formation, readiness, building alliances, and readiness of candidates, indicating that the upcoming race in 2027 would be tackled comprehensively.

Also Read: It is Time to Takeover ODM Party Leadership; Babu Owino

Compensation to Victims of Protests Reassessed

The Committee also examined the progress made in relation to the Ten Point Agenda of the party, especially regarding compensation for persons affected during public protests. ODM cited that the courts have declared the Panel of Experts on Compensation illegal.

As a measure, the party resolved that any monies going to compensate the victims be directed through “constitutionally and legally recognized institutions,” which included the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

Talks With UDA and Legal Compliance

On political alliances, ODM said it intends to initiate structured negotiations with various political formations, “beginning with the United Democratic Alliance,” and mandated the Party Leader to begin the process.

This will then be followed by consultations with party members, culminating in a National Delegates Convention.

The Committee also received an Auditor General’s report and noted that for the twentieth consecutive year, ODM had been commended for maintaining clean books.

It added that the Registrar of Political Parties had found ODM to be fully compliant with the Political Parties Act, mandating party organs to implement and report on the resolutions.

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