Millie Odhiambo Reveals Details of Recent ODM Meeting Amid Party Division Concerns

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has revealed details of a recent meeting involving key leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), amid concerns about growing divisions within the party. The gathering, held in Nairobi, brought together a mix of party members with differing views, including those seen as sympathetic to President William Ruto’s 2027 reelection.

Speaking on a local radio station on Sunday, January 11, Odhiambo described the meeting as a step toward promoting unity and cohesion within ODM. She said the party has recently faced internal disagreements, with members expressing varied political opinions, and stressed that the meeting was meant to address these issues constructively.

“The meeting was focused on fostering unity in ODM,” Odhiambo said. “Over the past weeks, many divergent views have emerged, and people have pulled in different directions. We felt it was necessary to listen, understand the concerns, and find a way to move forward together.”

How the Meeting Came Together

Odhiambo explained that the initiative was largely diplomatic, starting with members who had not taken extreme positions on contentious party matters. Rarieda MP Otiende Omolo led the initial discussions, calling for consensus after tensions flared between Suna East MP Junet Mohammed and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

She added that the meeting, described by Sifuna as a “sit and talk” session, later expanded to include other members with diverse opinions on the party’s direction.

Contrary to claims that the gathering was secretive, Odhiambo confirmed that the meeting took place at Nairobi View Hotel, in an open and visible space.

“The venue was not hidden. It was an open space, accessible and visible,” she said, dismissing rumors that the meeting was clandestine.

Odhiambo emphasized that the meeting was not planned by a single individual but emerged organically through conversations on digital platforms, particularly WhatsApp. Members invited like-minded colleagues, resulting in a collective effort among leaders concerned about ODM’s future.

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“Many of us contributed to the planning, thanks to technology. Conversations on WhatsApp made it possible to coordinate and invite others. There wasn’t a single organiser,” she noted.

Attendees and Party Positions

Addressing claims that the meeting was dominated by leaders opposed to broad-based support, Odhiambo clarified that attendance was based on availability rather than political stance. She cited Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Ososti as an example of a senior member absent from the meeting despite opposing the party’s alignment with the broad-based government.

The session reflected ODM’s effort to bridge internal divisions and promote dialogue among members with differing perspectives, highlighting the party’s intention to maintain cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.