Inside ODM's Plan to Stay in the Political Spotlight -Simba Arati

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati has outlined how the party plans to remain relevant in Kenya’s political landscape following the death of Raila Odinga.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with NTV at his Lavington office in Nairobi on January 9, Arati explained that backing President William Ruto in the 2027 elections remains ODM’s most viable option.

Arati said that the party has learned from previous errors that confined it to the opposition benches.

“The United Opposition is a coalition of political figures lacking the strength to unseat President Ruto,” he said.

“ODM is not ready to repeat past mistakes. We are prepared to enter a coalition agreement with UDA as part of a broader strategy to form the next government.”

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

On leadership within ODM, Arati dismissed internal challenges to Oburu Odinga, Raila’s successor, saying, “Those scheming to ‘hijack’ the party are daydreaming.

ODM has well-established structures and organs for decision-making.”

Handling Factions and Internal Tensions

Despite calls from Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to decide the party’s stance on backing Ruto, Arati said the party remains united.

“They are not ODM officials, except for Sifuna.

They cannot take over the party because the party has structures and leadership,” he said.

“There is freedom of speech within the party, but the party position is processed through the party organs.”

Regarding accusations that Oburu Odinga holds office illegally, Arati was firm: “There can never be a vacuum in party leadership. The party constitution provides for officials to serve in acting capacities. The NDC would just affirm what the people already know.”

Coalition or Candidate: Preparing for 2027

Arati acknowledged that ODM has capable candidates but highlighted the importance of coalition politics.

“If today I decided to run, I know I will give President Ruto a run for his money.

ODM has capable candidates, including Dr Oburu.

But during coalition talks, we will weigh options carefully.

“Dr Ruto would want a second term, and we will decide strategically,” he said.

On the possibility of ODM prioritizing backing Ruto, Arati stated:

“Definitely, that is the case. Why join a team likely to be defeated when our coalition is poised to win? Our party leader brought us into the broad-based government, and we are still part of it.”

Also Read: Eliud Owalo Resigns from Ruto’s Govt

“Formalising through a coalition is just a matter of process.”

ODM’s Strength in Kisii Region

With local presidential aspirants emerging, Arati emphasized ODM’s continued dominance in Kisii and the Gusii region.

“Kisii remained intact in ODM even when Jubilee was a ruling party,” he said.

“There would be some feeling that our own is running, but for sure, Kisii will largely remain ODM.”

Arati also noted the opposition’s weaknesses: “Our brothers in the opposition seem not to have the muscles to defeat the broad-based team. Opposition has to do a lot of work to dislodge Ruto.”

Governance and Performance Spotlight

Beyond politics, Arati highlighted achievements in Kisii County during his tenure.

“I am called Etaya, meaning lamp and source of light.”

“In the health sector, revenue collection at our Level Five Hospital increased from ksh 47 million to Sh300 million over three months, while newborn mortality has fallen from 50 per cent to 13-16 per cent,” he said.

He also pointed to improvements in infrastructure and social services:

Kisii Water and Sanitation revenue rose from ksh7 million to ksh 20 million monthly.

Roads worth Ksh1.4 billion are now under construction, more than in the last 10 years combined. Bursaries for needy children increased, with Sh300 million allocated from the county budget.

School milk for ECD learners will begin in February.

Arati also addressed ghost workers and revenue collection: “We conducted a headcount, removed ghost workers, and reduced the wage bill from 63 per cent to 33 per cent. The Controller of Budget rated us the best-performing county in revenue collection. All money is collected digitally, and we were number one in our own source revenue.”

Looking Ahead

Arati’s interview paints a picture of a party balancing governance performance with strategic politics.

ODM, under his guidance, is positioning itself to remain influential, maintain party unity, and capitalize on coalition opportunities for the 2027 elections.

“ODM is strong, and we aim to make it stronger.

Our main focus is to capture power in 2027,” Arati concluded.

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