The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans to hold an urgent Central Committee meeting on Monday to deliberate on key party matters amid growing speculation of an impending Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir confirmed the meeting on Thursday, noting that it will be chaired by interim party leader Oburu Odinga.
The meeting comes at a time when the party appears divided on whether or not to remain in the broad-based government, with the double-speak causing friction within the party.
In his interview on Citizen TV, Nassir said the meeting will provide an opportunity for the party to reassess its direction and unity following recent political shifts.
“We will have a special Central Committee meeting that Oburu Odinga will be chairing on Monday with three main agendas focusing on upcoming by-elections, celebrating ODM at 20, where we will celebrate the 80 years we had with our party leader, the late Raila Odinga, and discussing the 10-point agenda signed between UDA and ODM,” Nassir stated.
He added that the meeting will also address internal cohesion as ODM navigates its next chapter without its long-serving leader, Raila Odinga, whose passing has left a significant leadership gap in the opposition.
“Our opponents want to see us fall, but we will be meeting where we will forge the way forward and iron out the ideological differences that appear to emerge,” Nassir said, expressing optimism that the party will remain united despite external pressure.
The planned meeting comes at a politically tense moment as speculation continues over possible Cabinet changes, with political analysts having divergent views on the intended purpose of the changes.
The looming Cabinet reshuffle is also expected after President Ruto reached a political agreement with Kenya's independence party, KANU leader Gideon Moi, revealing that he would be absorbed into the broad-based government.
Meanwhile, Nassir announced that another meeting will be held involving MPs, Senators, and other elected officials under the party's colours to ensure that they have a unified approach to the ODM's ideologies and political stance going forward.
However, Nassir said that the intention of ODM will not be a future in the opposition, indicating that the party will likely continue to strengthen its base in the broad-based government.
“The future of ODM is to continue advancing the policies and principles that Baba believed in. There is no political party whose goal is to remain in the opposition; the ultimate goal is to attain leadership.”
