ODM's Unity and Negotiations Top Agendas at Leaders Retreat in Mombasa

By Mbungu Harrison

The Orange Democratic Movement on Sunday, May 3, 2026 placed broad-based negotiations and party unity at the heart of its agendas as top leaders opened a Parliamentary Group retreat in Mombasa to chart ODM’s strategy for 2027.

The meeting at Whitesands Hotel brings together 90 MPs, 13 governors, Cabinet Secretaries and the party’s National Executive Council to craft a unified approach for negotiations with President William Ruto’s coalition and to heal internal rifts.

Chairperson Gladys Wanga said the retreat would focus on party unity, inclusivity, and a strategic direction that leaves no member behind.

“This conversation is not for a few. If you look at our party values, no one is supreme over party members. Every person’s voice must count as the party takes any direction,” she said.

The party extended an olive branch to rebels led by secretary general (SG) Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo urging them to return as ODM repositions itself to either form the next government or be part of it.

“In the coming election we must ensure we don’t make any mistake. We have to discuss an inclusive process on how we move our party forward.”

The chair stressed that ODM must remain united ahead of the 2027 elections even after losing party leader Raila Odinga.

“Our party comes first. Let’s talk honestly. How do we create space so that many people can have opportunity to make decisions? Most importantly, how do we remain united?” she posed.

Acting SG Catherine Omanyo said the party was strong enough to form government alone or in coalition, but warned against rushed deals.

“I want us to touch on zoning. Let us not hurry — we haven’t started any negotiations. No partner will dilute our identity,” she said.

“ODM must win more political seats. Therefore, we must continue to be united until the end,” she added.

Mining CS Hassan Ali Joho reminded members that ODM was built on sacrifice and cannot be destroyed by individual ambitions.

“The party is larger than an individual. When the party was being formed I was Kisauni chairman, then national organizing secretary, then deputy party leader. I served diligently. Some of us have ambitions, but the party is greater than my aspirations because the party will one day give us an opportunity to lead,” he said.

“You can never recreate ODM. We are strong, we are united, and we are going to get power — either through a coalition or by ourselves.”

He urged leaders to stick to party principles saying the late party leader Raila Amolo Odinga knew when to be tough and when to negotiate.

“So, some people should go slow.”

On his cabinet role, he said: “Mimi ni mwanasiasa, mimi ni mwanasiasa wa ODM.” Thus, defending his presence at political meeting.

Council of Governors chair and Mombasa County boss Abdulswamad Nassir said counties must get Sh450 billion in the next financial year urging Senators and MPs to ensure that was achieved.

“ODM is a party that has people from every corner of the country. We must keep the party united. We must not allow it to disintegrate, because it’s not a Luo party,” he said.

The governor called for the end of “petty rivalries within Nyanza counties” claiming they were damaging the party’s reputation and standing in the national arena.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati said there was no leadership vacuum in ODM and asked the Sifuna-Orengo-Babu Owino faction to return home.

“Unity is not optional. Without it, we shall fall,” he said. “Let us interrogate where we are, where we want to go, and who we should negotiate with before we take that step. We must negotiate and get power.”

He asked the government to pay the party its debt. “The government has our debts. The minimum irreducible is our money before we move forward.”

Kilifi senator Stewart Madzayo said ODM remained a national party that must maintain dominance.

“Our party is a national party, and we must maintain unity so that we can continue to politically dominate,” he said.

According to Nassir, who is also deputy party leader, the retreat must end with a clear strategy on how, when, and with whom to negotiate ahead of 2027.

“We need to tell our party leader the strategy — of what, how and when we should negotiate with our partners,” he said. “ODM must be firm, united and disciplined before negotiations begin.”

Other party leader present was Kakamega Gov Fernandes Barasa.

The retreat will continue tomorrow (Monday) with closed-door sessions expected to finalize resolutions at hand.