ODM Demands Respect from UDA, Announces Nationwide Tours

ODM Parliamentary Group endorses Oburu as Party Leader, backs coalition talks with UDA

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called on the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to show respect, criticising recent public remarks by some of its senior officials.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, April 16, 2026, ODM said the comments by certain UDA leaders had caused anxiety and unrest among its members.

“On our relationship with our broad-based partners, the UDA party, the Central Committee noted with concern the goings on and the unwarranted public utterances by some senior officials of the UDA Party aimed at causing anxiety and disquiet among our members,” ODM said.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to its founding principles and ideology, insisting it expects mutual respect from its political partners.

“As a party that believes in its principles, ideology and the foundation on which it was founded, we demand respect from the UDA party,” the statement added.

ODM also weighed in on the rising cost of fuel, urging the government to take further measures to cushion Kenyans from the impact.

“Kenyans are concerned about the increase in fuel prices. We know this is a global problem. While noting the government’s efforts to mitigate the situation, we continue to push it to do more to cushion Kenyans from the effects of this crisis,” the party stated.

The proposed coalition talks between ODM and UDA have, however, sparked internal disagreements within ODM. Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator, is among leaders opposing the move.

James Orengo, the Siaya Governor, has also strongly opposed the proposal, warning that entering into a coalition with UDA could weaken ODM’s popularity and risk narrowing its national appeal.

Meanwhile, ODM’s Central Management Committee (CMC) has resolved to embark on nationwide tours aimed at strengthening and popularising the party.

The committee said the tours will focus on consolidating ODM’s identity, which has existed for more than two decades since its formation in 2005.

“At the end of the deliberations, the central committee made the following resolutions: one, that we embark on a vigorous and rigorous exercise to popularise and strengthen our party in all parts of the country, and particularly in our strongholds, we have no choice but to make bigger our identity,” the statement read.

As part of the initiative, ODM will hold youth conventions in 25 counties to energise and revitalise its support base.

The exercise will begin on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Nairobi with a youth conference, followed by another event in Mombasa on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

After the initial engagements, the party will take a two-day break to hold a joint parliamentary group meeting before announcing the next phase of activities.

The committee also directed that grassroots elections be conducted in areas where they have not been held or where disputes persist, as the party prepares for the 2027 General Election.