The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has thrown its weight behind the Kenya Kwanza administration, committing to give President William Ruto and the agenda of his government full support of national importance.
The ODM Central Committee, chaired by chairman Raila Odinga, endorsed the motion on Tuesday. The leadership committed to building national stability and advancing the cause of Kenyans through constitutional and democratic means.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna issued a statement confirming the party’s intention to form a 10-member technical team. This team will work hand in hand with a similar group from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to fast-track the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties last year.
“The party supports the position of Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration to stabilise the country and create an enabling environment for Kenyans to address their concerns through democratic and constitutional means,” said Sifuna.
Sifuna added that the technical team will help implement the 10-point agenda outlined in the MoU, forming part of the political structure needed to ensure the agreement’s success.
The Nairobi Senator pointed out that the lack of a joint technical committee had slowed action on crucial elements of the ODM–Kenya Kwanza agreement, especially the implementation of the NADCO report in full.
He pressed the need to tackle youth employment, the right to assembly, respect for the rule of law, and tackling corruption and misuse of public funds.
ODM also welcomed the government’s latest move to release Ksh.415 billion to county governments, describing it as a step in the right direction. However, Sifuna made it clear that the party would continue pushing for a higher allocation of at least Ksh.450 billion as previously championed by Raila Odinga.
The party also demanded the full implementation of the unbundling of devolved functions, along with the proper transfer of constitutionally mandated resources to county governments.
It further threw its weight behind calls for a national inter-generational conference to tackle youth-focused issues. It also reaffirmed its plans to move forward with grassroots elections and mark its 20th anniversary through the upcoming “ODM at 20” celebrations, both part of a broader internal restructuring strategy.
Despite internal differences on several issues, Sifuna said the Central Committee had achieved what he described as “an unbreakable unity of purpose.” He assured supporters that ODM would remain steadfast in serving the people and driving the national transformation agenda.
“The committee brokered an unbreakable unity of purpose in the party and a single-minded focus on ensuring that ODM continues to be a loyal servant of the people and the country,” Sifuna said. “We are committed to the agenda of national transformation and stability.”
