The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced an urgent Central Committee meeting to be held on Monday to discuss key party issues amid growing talk of a Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto.
ODM Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir confirmed the meeting on Thursday, saying it will be chaired by interim party leader Oburu Odinga. The meeting aims to restore unity within the party and define ODM’s future in national politics following months of internal tension and external speculation.
According to Nassir, the meeting will focus on three major items: the upcoming by-elections, the 20th anniversary celebration of ODM, and a review of the 10-point agenda signed between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM. He said the discussions would help chart the way forward after the passing of former party leader Raila Odinga, whose leadership shaped ODM’s identity for decades.
“We will have a special Central Committee meeting chaired by Oburu Odinga on Monday. Our focus will be on unity, the upcoming by-elections, and strengthening our cooperation through the 10-point agenda with UDA,” Nassir said.
He emphasized that the party remains determined to preserve Raila’s legacy and maintain its influence in shaping Kenya’s political future.
ODM Moves to Quell Division and Reassert Power Ahead of Cabinet Changes
The planned ODM meeting comes at a time when political tension is mounting over an expected Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto. Reports suggest that key ministries could see new faces following political negotiations involving former rivals.
Analysts believe the reshuffle is part of Ruto’s strategy to strengthen his broad-based government by incorporating figures from other major political formations, including ODM and KANU.
The speculation gained traction after Ruto’s recent political pact with KANU leader Gideon Moi, which signaled a possible re-entry of the Moi family into government. This move, many say, could influence the distribution of Cabinet positions and shift the balance of political power.
Political observers argue that the Cabinet reshuffle may serve both to reward loyalty and to appease new allies joining the administration. ODM’s Monday meeting is therefore seen as a strategic move to align its position before any formal announcements are made from State House.
ODM Leaders Seek Unity After Raila’s Death
Within ODM, questions of succession and internal cohesion have lingered since Raila Odinga’s passing. His absence has left the party navigating uncertain waters, with varying opinions emerging on whether to remain part of the government or reclaim its role in the opposition.
Nassir, however, dismissed talk of division, insisting that ODM remains strong and committed to its core values. He stressed that the upcoming meeting will focus on reinforcing internal unity and re-establishing the party’s ideological foundation.
“Our opponents want to see us fall, but ODM is not breaking. We are meeting to iron out emerging differences and reaffirm our shared vision,” he said.
He added that another meeting involving ODM legislators and other elected officials will follow to ensure that all members are aligned on policy direction and communication.
This second meeting will include MPs, Senators, and Governors under the ODM banner, focusing on strengthening grassroots structures and promoting the party’s reform agenda across the country.
The Future of ODM in the Broad-Based Government
Governor Nassir hinted that ODM’s future lies in active participation within the broad-based government rather than staying in opposition. He said the party’s mission is to continue advocating for the values and reforms championed by Raila Odinga.
“The future of ODM is to advance the principles Baba believed in. No political party’s goal is to remain in the opposition. Our aim is to lead and influence policy for the benefit of Kenyans,” he stated.
His remarks suggest that ODM may be preparing to play a more integrated role in Ruto’s government, despite resistance from some party members who feel the alliance with UDA dilutes ODM’s independence.
Still, insiders say the party leadership wants to balance cooperation with the government while maintaining its political identity and grassroots support. The upcoming Central Committee meeting could therefore mark a turning point in ODM’s post-Raila era, defining whether it will strengthen its influence from within government or rebuild its opposition base.
As the political temperature rises, all eyes will be on Monday’s meeting in Nairobi, where Oburu Odinga and Abdulswamad Nassir will steer discussions that may shape Kenya’s next political chapter.
