Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has assured that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) remains united and resilient, dismissing claims that the party would collapse following the passing of former leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Radio Generation ahead of Friday’s National Delegates Conference (NDC), Kaluma emphasized that the gathering will affirm the party’s leadership, resolve internal disputes, and allow delegates from across the country to validate or challenge decisions.
Kaluma said that ODM’s unity is rooted in its history and mission, noting that the party “remains strong.”
“The people in ODM remain on with their programs. We are now singing Linda Ground for a very good reason. ODM continues to celebrate its past achievements and continues those ideals it has always been focusing on for the benefit of the people,” he said.
He added that the party’s strength comes from its disciplined approach, explaining, “Once a decision is taken, whether unanimous or by majority, you follow. When a person goes out and contradicts that position, that really is not democracy, but indiscipline.”
The MP outlined that ODM, with over six million members, has traditionally represented marginalized communities, maintaining influence across the country, from the northeastern counties like Mandera and Garissa to the coast, North Rift, West Pokot, and border communities in Nairobi. He stressed that the NDC is a key mechanism to reinforce this unity and ensure leadership legitimacy.
“Tomorrow, we will have the National Delegates Conference so that the delegates across the country can either approve or disapprove of the decision yet again,” Kaluma said.
Kaluma urged party members to participate actively, saying, “Assemble tomorrow as the great ODM family. Let us speak. If there are some things you disagree with, let us talk them as a family tomorrow.”
He added that any issues of discipline or misconduct will be addressed collectively, reinforcing the message that ODM remains a strong, inclusive, and disciplined political institution, prepared to safeguard the legacy of the late Raila Odinga while advancing its agenda nationwide.
Also speaking on Citizen TV on Wednesday,ODM Party chairperson Gladys Wanga asserted the party’s unity and institutional strength saying, “there is only one ODM,” underscoring that the party’s structures have remained intact and functional despite rumors of internal divisions.
She added, “Even when Baba was alive, people disagreed and sometimes left, but the party continued to thrive because of strong institutional frameworks.”
ODM deputy Party Leader Abduswamed Sharif echoed her sentiment, noting that internal disagreements are normal and do not signal disunity.
“The loss of our leader was a significant moment, but we have found our footing. Our focus now is consolidating the grassroots, strengthening leadership, and supporting our current party leader, Dr. Oburu,” he said.
Ahead of the party’s Special Delegates Conference (NDC),the two leaders dismissed claims of competing factions, stressing that the upcoming gathering is constitutionally sanctioned and will bring together up to 3,000 delegates to ratify resolutions and authorize pre-election coalition negotiations for 2027.
“Anyone trying to spread confusion about parallel structures is only generating misinformation,” Wanga said.
She added that ODM’s resilience comes from decades of structured leadership and the party’s ability to maintain cohesion even after political shifts, highlighting that its principles provide stability and continuity.
