ODM started a retreat in Mombasa Sunday, running through Tuesday, bringing together members of its National Executive Committee, the parliamentary group and elected governors at a time the party is grappling with internal pressure and possible engagement talks with President William Ruto’s UDA.
The meeting is part of ODM’s activation drive aimed at strengthening the party’s structures and expanding its grassroots reach.
Officials said the retreat is expected to review strategy, sharpen mobilisation on the ground and address concerns raised during recent youth engagement forums held across several counties.
The Mombasa retreat also comes amid growing unease within sections of the party over the direction ODM has taken, with leaders expected to discuss how to manage emerging concerns and keep the outfit cohesive.
The meeting is also likely to feature discussions on the anticipated talks with UDA, as the party weighs its next political steps.
ODM has recently faced challenges from the rival Linda Mwananchi faction, whose leaders have been piling pressure on the party leadership and laying claim to top positions.
Siaya Senator James Orengo, linked to the faction, has declared himself ODM party leader and insisted that Oburu Odinga’s election was irregular.
However, ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga has dismissed the claim, saying party structures endorsed Oburu as the legitimate party leader.
“ODM has structures and recently, through the Special Delegates Conference, delegates endorsed Oburu as party leader. The rest is just noise,” Wanga said.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has also cautioned that mistreating party members could backfire, warning that leaders risk turning dissenting voices into symbols of resistance.
“Our mistreatment of Sifuna is what has made Sifuna a hero. So let us be careful the way we are dealing with our issues,” she said, referring to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua claimed Ruto organized the meeting for his own benefit.
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