After Raila Odinga’s death, ODM pledges unity and continued partnership with Ruto
In the wake of Raila Odinga’s death, ODM vows to preserve the historic unity deal with President Ruto, calling on party members to uphold his legacy and maintain peace and cohesion nationwide.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has reaffirmed its commitment to working with President William Ruto's government despite the passing of its longtime leader, Raila Odinga.
Speaking after a Central Management Committee meeting in Nairobi on Monday, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said the party remains dedicated to the unity deal that brought the two leaders together last year, describing it as vital for Kenya's peace and stability.
More To Read
- ODM leadership transition: Oburu Oginga confirmed as party leader after Raila Odinga’s death
- Political analysts weigh in as ODM faces crucial test of unity after Raila’s death
- ODM meets families of victims killed during Raila Odinga’s body viewing
- Raila never complained even in face of humiliation, says Lawyer Paul Mwangi
- Mutahi Kahiga resigns as Council of Governors Vice Chair, apologises for remarks on Raila's death
- Governor Kahiga faces uproar over 'insensitive' remarks on Raila Odinga’s death
The meeting, chaired by acting party leader Oburu Odinga, focused on party affairs amid reports of a potential Cabinet reshuffle by President Ruto.
"As the senior leadership of this party, we shall pursue all causes he dedicated his life to, do everything within our power to uphold the unity of the party and apply lessons learnt from our departed leader and comrade in the service of the people of Kenya, whom we loved and fought for," Sifuna said.
The cooperation between Ruto and Odinga emerged from last year's anti-government protests in June 2024, triggered by unpopular tax proposals in the Finance Bill. The demonstrations, which saw Parliament briefly stormed by protesters, led the President to scrap the bill and invite the opposition to join a "broad-based" government aimed at easing political tensions.
As part of the agreement, ODM and the government signed a landmark political deal centred on a 10-point agenda focused on reforms, inclusion, and national cohesion until the 2027 elections.
"We reiterate the commitment of the party to the broad-based government until 2027, a relationship guided by the 10-point agenda entered into for the sake of peace and stability of the country."
The party also pledged to carry forward Odinga's lifelong pursuit of unity and justice, urging members to remain steadfast and avoid the infighting that often follows the death of a towering political figure.
"ODM is not just a political party; it is a covenant. A covenant that we, the living, must now renew. Let us resist the temptation to scatter in despair, or to fight over his political inheritance as leaders often do when giants fall," Sifuna said.
Earlier in the day, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed revealed that Odinga had expressed his wish for the party to maintain its partnership with President Ruto's government before his death.
Top Stories Today
