Oburu: ODM Already Out of Azimio, Only Formalities Remain

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has signalled its intention to formally sever ties with the Azimio coalition, with party leader Oburu Odinga insisting that ODM’s dominance within the coalition had long rendered its continued membership untenable.

Speaking in Mombasa at the opening of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Oburu asserted that ODM had effectively withdrawn from Azimio months ago, and that the remaining step was to complete the formal exit. He dismissed recent leadership changes within the coalition, including the appointment of Kalonzo Musyoka as Azimio leader by former president Uhuru Kenyatta, arguing that such decisions were illegitimate without ODM’s consent.

“There is nobody who can make a decision in Azimio without concurrence of ODM,” he said, adding that the coalition ceased to function once ODM pulled back.

Oburu’s remarks underscore a growing rift between ODM and its former partners, particularly after Kenyatta’s restructuring of Azimio leadership. The removal of Junet Mohamed as secretary general and the installation of Caroli Omondi, alongside other appointments, has been interpreted by ODM as interference. Oburu was categorical that ODM, as the largest party in the coalition, could not be sidelined in such decisions.

The NEC meeting itself highlighted internal strains within ODM. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Deputy Party Leader Geoffrey Osotsi were absent, continuing a pattern of non-attendance that has fuelled speculation about divisions at the top. Oburu criticised party officials who publicly contradict internal resolutions, warning that democracy within the party must be tempered by discipline. 

His comments appeared directed at Sifuna, who has voiced opposition to ODM’s recent cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Despite these tensions, Oburu emphasised that ODM remains committed to working with UDA under the broad-based government framework established by the late Raila Odinga. 

He noted that the party’s focus is on strengthening itself ahead of future negotiations, rather than prematurely committing to support a one-term or two-term presidency. 

“We start with our current partners. If we don’t agree, we move on to other formations. And if there is no agreement, we go it alone as ODM,” he said.

The Mombasa gathering, chaired by Oburu and attended by senior figures including Governors Abdulswamad Nassir and Simba Arati, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and MPs Junet Mohamed, Esther Passaris and Otiende Amollo, marks the beginning of a four-day tour of the Coast region. The itinerary includes engagements with delegates and rallies across Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties, culminating in Ukunda.