ODM has initiated an extensive strategy to reinforce its traditional strongholds, manage internal rifts, and reconstruct grassroots networks in preparation for the 2027 electoral contest.
The renewed mobilization effort comes against a backdrop of growing internal debate regarding the party’s strategic direction.
A recent survey by TIFA revealed that 73 percent of ODM supporters endorse the faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, while only 24 percent back the camp aligned with party leader Oburu Oginga.
These findings have intensified pressure on the Orange party’s leadership to reestablish connections with supporters and reaffirm its authority across its traditional support bases.
In response, ODM has moved away from the factional conflicts that have threatened to undermine the party in recent months.
The leadership is now promoting a unified message and has abandoned labels and activities that deepened divisions within the party.
For an extended period, ODM has been caught between rival factions operating under the Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi banners.
The Linda Ground wing was associated with Oburu, while Linda Mwananchi has been championed by Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Rather than allowing these rivalries to dominate the party’s agenda, ODM leaders are concentrating on grassroots mobilization, membership recruitment, and strengthening party structures.
Central to this strategy is a series of rallies and public engagements planned across ODM strongholds in Nyanza, Western, the Coast, Kajiado, Narok, North Eastern, Turkana and parts of Nairobi.
In an interview with the Star, ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga stated that the party has developed an extensive outreach program targeting both traditional strongholds and emerging support zones.
“The Central Committee will meet and release the official itinerary, but largely we want to move to Northern Kenya, Turkana and meet the Maa community,” Wanga told the Star.
“We also want to engage our supporters in places such as Eldoret. We have a comprehensive schedule that will be confirmed after the Central Committee meeting.”
Wanga explained that the tours aim to reconnect leadership with supporters, recruit new members, and address emerging concerns.
The rallies will also provide a platform for ODM leaders to articulate the party’s agenda and demonstrate that its grassroots machinery remains intact despite recent political realignments.
Acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo indicated that the party is targeting at least 25 counties where it enjoys substantial support.
“The Central Committee resolved that we embark on an intensive exercise to popularize and strengthen the party in all parts of the country, particularly in our strongholds. We have no choice but to expand and strengthen our identity,” Omanyo said.
The renewed focus on grassroots mobilization is also considered essential in preserving ODM’s bargaining power in coalition negotiations with its broad-based partner, UDA.
Beyond mobilization, ODM is also working to contain internal disputes that have increasingly become public and exposed divisions within the party.
Since the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, disagreements have emerged between leaders allied to Oburu and those aligned to Sifuna regarding the party’s relationship with President William Ruto.
While the Oburu camp has indicated openness to supporting Ruto’s re-election bid, the Sifuna faction has consistently argued that ODM should distance itself from the government and chart an independent opposition course.
The ODM leadership is also discreetly working to prevent disagreements from escalating further by encouraging leaders to focus on strengthening the outfit rather than engaging in public political battles.
A recent meeting between Oburu and ODM Director of Elections and National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohammed was interpreted as part of efforts to unify within the party.
Junet had notably been absent from recent ODM activities, including the Kisumu rally, fueling speculation about internal tensions.
However, after meeting Oburu, the Suna East MP sought to project an image of unity.
“The ODM party is strong, united and determined as never before to strengthen our partnership and prepare for future political contests,” Junet said.
“We have resisted attempts to weaken our party, consolidated our support base and kept the movement focused on its mission.”
Also part of ODM’s strategy is reforming its nomination process, an issue that has troubled the party for years.
Previous primaries have often been plagued by allegations of favoritism, manipulation, and irregularities, leading to defections, court battles, and voter apathy in some regions.
Determined to prevent a recurrence in 2027, the party leadership is exploring reforms aimed at ensuring free, fair, and transparent nominations.
The Star has established that ODM is considering benchmarking with established political parties in the region and beyond to improve its internal electoral processes.
Wanga revealed that the party is studying various models, including that of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress.
“Our electoral body is examining different models, including the ANC system. The objective is to improve our processes and assure members that nominations will be free and fair,” she said.
“We have tasked the National Elections and Coordinating Committee to develop enhanced and fail-safe mechanisms for conducting transparent and credible nominations.”
Oburu has repeatedly assured party members that no aspirant will receive preferential treatment.
“Nobody should be worried because their rivals are my friends. Everyone will go through a free and fair nomination process and nobody will be handed a direct ticket,” he said recently.
The assurances have been welcomed by many aspirants who have long complained about the conduct of previous nominations.
ODM is also investing in revitalizing grassroots structures that many leaders believe have weakened over time. Efforts are underway to strengthen ward, constituency, and county-level organs to improve coordination between the party leadership and members.
However, political analyst Martin Andati argues that the reforms may come too late to reverse the shift in support reflected in recent opinion polls.
“It is too little, too late. The people shifted a long time ago. The latest TIFA survey shows the Sifuna faction commanding about 75 percent support while Oburu’s side remains far behind,” Andati said.
“Even if they won over all the undecided supporters, the gap would still be enormous. The damage has already been done.”
ODM is betting that a united party with energized grassroots structures and credible nominations will be better positioned to navigate the increasingly competitive political landscape ahead of the next General Election.