Leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have reiterated that the party will not enter any government led by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), insisting that political arrangements must align with their values.
Speaking at a rally in Busia on Sunday, Siaya Governor James Orengo said the party’s focus is on protecting citizens’ rights rather than chasing positions in government.
“Baba Raila Odinga alisema hatutaki viti, tunataka wananchi wapate haki zao,” Orengo said, pointing to persistent unemployment and economic challenges as key concerns.
He left no doubt about ODM’s position, stating, “Sasa tunasema hatuwezi kuingia kwa UDA kamwe, kamwe, kamwe.” Orengo also emphasized that the party must field its own presidential candidate.
“ODM ndio inaweza kutengeneza serikali,” he said, adding, “Hakuna mtu atatulazimisha kuingia kwa serikali ambayo hatukubaliani nayo.”
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna also rejected pressures to conform to political arrangements the party does not support. Responding to calls for him to remain silent or step aside, Sifuna said, “Wanasema Sifuna anyamaze ama afurushwe kwa chama,” stressing that such demands are misplaced.
Sifuna clarified that the 10-point agreement signed with UDA in 2025 was narrowly defined and cannot be extended. “Huo mkataba uko na sahihi mbili pekee, ya Rais William Ruto na Mheshimiwa Raila Odinga,” he said, adding, “We did not provide for any extension of that agreement.”
The pact, signed by President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga, was meant as a framework for cooperation on national priorities, including opportunities for youth and strengthening county governments. Sifuna stressed that the agreement was never intended as a basis for broader political alignment. “I want to say as a lawyer… we did not provide any extension of that agreement,” he said.
He also highlighted the responsibilities of the committee reviewing the pact’s implementation. Chaired by Agnes Zani, the five-member panel is expected to collect input from all 47 counties and submit its final report by March 7. “The committee is expected to give its final report by March 7. Anyone who dreams of extending that agreement must first go and ask Baba,” Sifuna said.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyoka dismissed claims that ODM lacks capable leadership for the 2027 elections.
“Party leader wa ODM Oburu anasema ati hatuwezi toa president, kwani hapa hawa watoshi?” Onyoka asked, citing Sifuna and Babu Owino as examples. Onyoka also raised the need for accountability in the sugar sector, particularly Mumias and Nzoia factories, adding, “The people of Busia have said that before you can discuss anything with ODM, first tell them what you did in Mumias and Nzoia Sugar.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino defended outspoken leaders, saying they should not be intimidated. “Hatuna woga, hata wakitufukuza tuko tayari kurudi kwa by-election,” he said, urging ODM to remain faithful to the ideals of its founder. “Chama ya ODM lazima iendelee mahali baba aliachia.”
During the Linda Wananchi tour in Busia, Sifuna reiterated that the 10-point agreement’s terms are legally binding and must be adhered to as originally signed.
He cautioned against any attempt to renegotiate or create a new agreement with UDA, emphasizing that ODM’s stance is non-negotiable.
