We demand respect from the UDA Party – ODM

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has demanded respect from its coalition partner, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing what it termed as unwarranted public utterances by senior UDA officials that have unsettled its members.

In a statement issued after a Central Committee meeting held on April 16, 2026, ODM expressed concern over the conduct of some UDA leaders, warning that such remarks risk straining the working relationship between the two parties.

“On our relationship with our broad-based partners, the UDA party, the Central Committee noted with concern the goings on and the unwarranted public utterances by some senior officials of the UDA Party aimed at causing anxiety and disquiet among our members.

“As a Party that believes in its principles, ideology and the foundation on which it was founded, we demand respect from the UDA party,” the committee said.

The meeting, chaired by ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga, reviewed both internal party progress and the broader political and socio-economic landscape in the country.

ODM leaders lauded the successful Special National Delegates Convention held on March 27 at the ASK Showgrounds, describing it as well-organized and incident-free.

The committee also commended the National Elections Coordinating Committee for overseeing grassroots elections that it said were “peaceful, transparent and verifiable,” with the exercise now 98 percent complete.

The party announced plans to intensify its grassroots mobilization efforts as it prepares for the next general election.

This includes a nationwide activation programme featuring youth conventions in 25 counties aimed at “rejuvenating, revamping and re-energizing” the party.

The first of these engagements is scheduled to take place in Nairobi on April 20, followed by another in Mombasa on April 26.

ODM said additional counties will be announced in due course.

“We have no choice but to make bigger our identity which remains in the hearts of the majority of Kenyans,” the committee stated, urging members in regions where internal elections remain incomplete to utilize dispute resolution mechanisms to finalize the process.

The party also sought to reassure its supporters of its commitment to internal democracy, pledging free and fair nominations ahead of the elections.

“There will be no sacred cows for any position sought,” ODM said, adding that a portal will soon be opened for aspirants to apply for elective seats.

Beyond internal affairs, ODM addressed national concerns, particularly the rising cost of fuel. While acknowledging that the increase is driven by global factors, the party urged the government to intensify measures to cushion Kenyans from the economic strain.

“Kenyans are concerned about the increase in fuel prices… we continue to push the government to do more to cushion citizens,” the statement read.

On the implementation of the bipartisan agreement between ODM and UDA, the committee noted progress, particularly the allocation of Sh2 billion in the supplementary budget to compensate victims of police brutality and protests.

ODM called on the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to expedite the compensation process and ensure affected families receive justice.