ODM Faces Critical Decision Ahead of 2027 Elections, Experts Urge Unity and Consensus

By : Mweru Mbugua 

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is at a pivotal juncture as it navigates its future following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Experts say the party must build consensus on its strategy for the 2027 general elections to avoid internal disunity

Dr. Duncan Ojwang, a law and development lecturer, noted that while ODM leaders largely agree on key issues, disagreement persists on whether the party should join the opposition or align with the broad-based government arrangement

“This decision is critical to the party’s survival. Without Raila’s charisma, ODM may no longer automatically be invited into post-election coalitions,” he observed

Dr. Ojwang emphasized that ODM has an opportunity to unite around shared goals, highlighting that much of the debate is a natural part of leadership transition

He noted that recent cooperation between the late Raila and President William Ruto has already shifted many ODM supporters toward the government’s broad-based approach, suggesting that a sudden return to opposition politics could leave members behind

“The party should avoid historical mistakes that repeatedly relegated it to opposition. Being in opposition for its own sake could harm communities in ODM strongholds,” Dr. Ojwang said, stressing the importance of pragmatism over rhetoric

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While some party members advocate for joining the opposition, Dr. Ojwang questioned whether this route realistically offers ODM a path to power in 2027, pointing to historical election trends and the risks of remaining marginalised

He urged the party to focus on common interests, particularly those of the Luo Nyanza community, rather than individual ambitions

Dr. Ojwang concluded that working with the government does not contradict ODM’s values and could enable the party to deliver economic justice and inclusivity, in line with the 10-point agenda established with Raila Odinga and President Ruto

As ODM navigates the post-Raila era, experts believe that unity, strategic alignment, and consensus-building will be essential to securing a significant role in the next government