The Orange Democratic Movement is holding a high-level retreat in Mombasa beginning Sunday through Tuesday, bringing together members of the party’s National Executive Committee, parliamentary group and elected governors amid mounting internal tensions and possible engagement talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.
According to sources familiar with the plans, the retreat forms part of ODM’s broader activation drive aimed at strengthening party structures, enhancing grassroots mobilisation and consolidating support ahead of future political contests.
Party leaders are expected to assess ODM’s current political strategy, review feedback gathered during recent youth engagement forums across multiple counties and discuss ways of improving coordination on the ground.
The meeting comes at a sensitive time for the Raila Odinga-led party, with growing unease emerging from sections of its membership over the party’s recent direction and possible cooperation with UDA.
Insiders say discussions around potential talks with UDA are likely to feature prominently as ODM weighs its next political steps and attempts to maintain unity within its ranks.
ODM has also been facing pressure from the rival Linda Mwananchi faction, whose leaders have intensified criticism against the current party leadership while laying claim to key positions within the outfit.
James Orengo, who has been linked to the faction, recently declared himself ODM party leader and questioned the legitimacy of Oburu Odinga’s election, insisting the process was irregular.
However, ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga dismissed the claims, maintaining that established party structures formally endorsed Oburu as the legitimate party leader.
The Mombasa retreat is expected to shape ODM’s immediate political direction as the party navigates internal divisions, external pressure and evolving alliances within Kenya’s political landscape.
