Talks Over Collaboration with UDA to Dominate Upcoming ODM NDC Meeting, Otiende Amollo Reveals

Talks Over Collaboration with UDA to Dominate Upcoming ODM NDC Meeting, Otiende Amollo Reveals

A possible political collaboration between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set to dominate deliberations at the party’s upcoming delegates’ convention, Deputy Chairperson Otiende Amollo has disclosed.

Speaking on Sunday, March 22, during the coronation of Oburu Odinga as spokesperson of his clan at Kang’o Kajaramogi, Amollo said the gathering scheduled for Friday, March 27, would focus strictly on two critical agenda items amid widespread speculation about broader party restructuring.

The first item, he explained, will be the formal endorsement of Oburu Odinga as ODM party leader — a decision already ratified by key organs including the National Executive Council (NEC), Central Committee, National Governing Council (NGC), and the party’s Parliamentary Group.

“Oburu is our party leader, and this is not by mistake. We had already agreed on his leadership as NEC members even before we formally approached him. The only step remaining is the final one, which will be completed next week during the special delegates convention,” Amollo stated.

According to the Rarieda Member of Parliament, the endorsement is intended to provide clarity and stability in the party’s leadership structure at a time of internal tensions and shifting political alignments.

The second agenda item will be a resolution authorizing ODM to initiate structured negotiations with UDA. Amollo said Oburu Odinga would lead the talks in his capacity as party leader, signaling a potential realignment in Kenya’s political landscape should the discussions materialize into formal cooperation.

Amollo stressed that the March 27 gathering will not be a full National Delegates Convention (NDC) but rather a Special Delegates Convention convened for specific purposes.

“This will take place at a Special Delegates Convention, not a National Delegates Convention. It is called ‘special’ because it has been convened for only two purposes,” he clarified.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo speaking at a past event 

He further cautioned members against attempting to introduce additional matters, emphasizing that the leadership would not entertain issues outside the stated agenda.

“These are the only two items on the agenda. Anyone who comes with a different or additional agenda will be wasting their time,” he warned.

Amollo’s remarks come amid persistent reports that the convention could also address internal leadership changes, including the possible creation of a deputy party leader position reportedly linked to Winnie Odinga, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Speculation has also surrounded the position of Secretary General, with some party members allegedly proposing Babu Owino, the Embakasi East MP, as a replacement for former SG Edwin Sifuna. Owino has publicly dismissed the suggestion, stating that his political ambitions are focused on the party’s top leadership.

Oburu Odinga has likewise rejected the circulating reports, urging supporters and the public to disregard what he termed misinformation and unverified claims.

Despite the leadership’s efforts to present a united front, internal divisions within ODM remain evident. The “Linda Mwananchi” faction associated with Sifuna and Owino has vowed to boycott the convention, questioning both its legitimacy and outcomes.

Instead, the group has announced plans to hold a parallel rally in Nairobi on the same day at Jamhuri Grounds, a move widely seen as a direct challenge to the party’s official gathering.

Political observers say the twin events could serve as a critical test of influence within ODM, potentially shaping the party’s direction ahead of future elections. The outcome may also determine whether the proposed negotiations with UDA gain broader acceptance among party members.

As the date approaches, attention is increasingly focused on whether the Special Delegates Convention will succeed in consolidating leadership and charting a clear political path — or deepen divisions within one of Kenya’s most influential opposition parties.

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Talks Over Collaboration with UDA to Dominate Upcoming ODM NDC Meeting, Otiende Amollo Reveals