The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has set out a fresh political and organisational plan aimed at expanding its national reach ahead of the 2027 General Election, even as it presses the government to act on rising living costs and concerns over police accountability.
Speaking after chairing a Central Committee meeting held on April 16, 2026, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga said the party is entering what he termed a “vital new phase of growth and public engagement” following a successful Special Delegates Convention and the near completion of grassroots elections across the country.
He said the party will now focus on deepening its presence at the community level through a nationwide mobilisation drive.
“To ensure we maintain this momentum, we have resolved to launch a nationwide drive aimed at popularizing the party and strengthening our roots in every corner of the country,” he said.
Oburu noted that the party’s internal elections are about 98 per cent complete and urged members in the remaining areas to settle any disputes quickly using internal structures to avoid delays and division.
“I urge our members to utilise our internal dispute mechanisms to finalize the process swiftly so we can move forward as a united front,” he added.
He also outlined youth-centred programmes, saying ODM will roll out a series of engagements to bring young people closer to leadership structures. He confirmed that youth conventions will be held in Nairobi on April 20 and in Mombasa on April 26, followed by a major leadership retreat scheduled for early May.
“Our commitment to the next generation is equally a priority. We are heading directly to the grassroots to engage our young leaders,” Oburu said.
At the same time, ODM also turned its attention to national economic pressure, with Oburu raising concern over the rising cost of living, especially fuel prices, which he said continue to strain households.
“We stand firmly with Kenyans struggling under the rising cost of fuel, and we strongly urge the government to take immediate, meaningful action to cushion citizens from this intense economic heat,” he said.
On matters of justice, he called for faster handling of cases involving victims of police brutality, urging the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to speed up pending matters.
“Justice delayed is justice denied, and we will continue to advocate for those who have suffered,” he said.
Oburu further stressed the importance of internal party democracy, assuring members that the nomination process ahead of the 2027 elections will be fair and open. He said the party will soon open its nominations portal.
“I want to guarantee every member that our nomination process will be free, fair, and transparent. No candidate will receive preferential treatment; our strength lies in the will of the people,” he stated, adding that the party will soon open its nominations portal.
He also urged restraint in political communication across the country, calling for respectful engagement among leaders.
“I urge our partners to maintain decorum in their public statements to ensure a healthy democratic discourse,” he said.