The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dismissed claims of declining influence, insisting that the Raila Odinga-led party is gaining momentum as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at Chungwa House in Nairobi on Tuesday during the issuance of nomination certificates for candidates in the November 27 by-elections, ODM leaders expressed confidence that the party remains the strongest political force in the country.
ODM’s Director of Elections and National Assembly Minority Whip, Junet Mohamed, said critics who predict the party’s downfall are “dreaming,” noting that ODM is anchored on a strong grassroots network.
“ODM is a national party, and if there is any person who has dreams that ODM is dying anytime soon, he had better wake up; you are dreaming. ODM will be bigger than it is now,” Junet declared.
He revealed that the party boasts 1.3 million registered officials across all levels, from polling stations to the national leadership under Raila Odinga. “This is the party with the highest membership in Kenya. This is the best-managed party in Kenya. Our party has never had an audit query,” he said.
The Suna East MP added that ODM is poised to either win the next general elections or form part of the ruling coalition. “This party will never be in opposition again,” he asserted.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga echoed Junet’s remarks, emphasizing the party’s national appeal. “ODM is one of the biggest parties North of Limpopo and South of the Sahara. It’s a national party under Baba Raila. If Raila says left, we will go left, if he says right, we shall all go right,” said Wanga, who is also the Governor of Homa Bay County.
The two leaders also hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who had claimed over the weekend that ODM operates under a “good cop, bad cop” strategy to blackmail President William Ruto. Gachagua alleged that the party has two camps: one led by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to criticize the government, and another that seeks to appease the President.
Wanga and Junet dismissed the remarks, accusing Gachagua of deflecting from troubles within his own political outfit. “Recently, we saw a candidate who joined his DCP, and two days later announced he had resigned citing frustrations. Is that a party that can challenge us?” Wanga posed.
ODM’s latest show of confidence comes amid debates over its role in the government through the Broad-Based arrangement, which critics argue could water down its opposition credentials. However, party officials maintain that its influence remains intact and even growing, with eyes firmly set on 2027.
