ODM Leaders Meet in Mombasa for Party Retreat from Sun-Tue

Leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), including MPs, senators, and governors, have travelled to Mombasa for an important party retreat and Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting.

The meeting started on Sunday and will continue until Tuesday. It brings together top party officials such as members of the National Executive Committee, elected leaders and governors at a time when the party is facing internal disagreements.

According to sources, the main aim of the retreat is to strengthen the party and improve its operations across the country. Leaders are expected to review their strategies, discuss how to mobilise supporters at the grassroots level, and address issues raised by young people during recent forums held in different counties.

The meeting is also happening at a time when there is growing concern within ODM about the direction the party is taking. Some members are unhappy, and leaders are expected to discuss how to handle these concerns and keep the party united.

Another key topic likely to be discussed is the possibility of talks between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA party. The leaders will weigh their next political steps carefully.

Recently, ODM has also been facing pressure from a rival group known as the Linda Mwananchi faction. The group has been challenging the current leadership and even claiming top positions within the party.

Siaya Senator James Orengo, who is linked to the faction, has gone as far as declaring himself the ODM party leader. He also claimed that Oburu Odinga’s election was not done properly.

However, ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga has strongly rejected those claims. She said the party followed the right procedures and delegates confirmed Oburu as the official party leader.

“ODM has clear structures, and through the Special Delegates Conference, members endorsed Oburu as the party leader. The rest is just noise,” Wanga said.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo also warned party leaders to be careful in how they handle internal disagreements. She said mistreating members could make the situation worse.

She gave an example of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, saying that how he has been treated has made him more popular among supporters.

“Our mistreatment of Sifuna is what has made him a hero. We must be careful how we handle our issues,” she said.