From Sh12b party funds to DP slot: Inside ODM's tough demands for 2027 coalition talks with UDA
Politics
By
Willis Oketch and Patrick Beja
| May 05, 2026
(L) Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho, ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, and his counterpart Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir during the ODM retreat, Mombasa, May 4, 2026. [Robert Menza, Standard]
Fears over waning political influence and demands for the Sh12 billion in political parties’ funding owed by the government dominated the ongoing ODM retreat in Mombasa.
The meeting set firm conditions for President William Ruto’s United Democratic Movement (UDM) ahead of planned coalition talks for the 2027 General Election.
The Oburu Odinga-led Linda Gound faction said the government must first release the Sh12 billion owed to the party before any negotiations begin. They also insisted they would not accept anything less than the deputy presidential slot in the proposed arrangement with UDA.
READ MORE
Sofapaka staring at relegation as Gor Mahia eye title charge
Court deals blow to Bia Tosha bid on EABL sale
Security teams sent to Mwingi - Garissa road
US sanctions DR Congo ex-leader Kabila over rebel ties
Ruto rewards Sawe Sh8m, car for breaking London marathon record
EU finds Meta failing to keep under-13s off Facebook, Instagram
Adidas Adizero Adios: The magic shoe in Sawe's new world record-breaking feat
Bomas venue ruled out for AfricaFrance Summit as renovations lag
Spotlight turns to ODM 'experts' in Ruto's regime as crises pile up
Party members further warned that ODM leaders should avoid internal wrangles, saying such divisions risk portraying the party as a Luo-only outfit. “As leaders elected on ODM tickets from other parts of the country, we will not allow anyone to destroy this party,” said Wajir Governor Abdulahi Ahmed.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga was notably absent from the three-day retreat, which is focused on strategy ahead of coalition talks.
In a speech delivered by Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Oginga urged unity and warned against internal conflicts that could weaken the party before the polls.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati during the second day of the ODM retreat in Mombasa, May 4, 2026. [Robert Menza, Standard]
He also raised concerns over low voter registration in ODM strongholds and called for urgent mobilisation to strengthen the party’s electoral base. The retreat, held in Mombasa, brought together Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya and John Mbadi, more than 90 MPs, 13 governors, and members of the National Executive Council (NEC).
Delegates also expressed frustration over delays in the disbursement of political parties’ funds, urging that the money be released before negotiations begin.
On coalition talks with President Ruto, Oginga called for a structured and consultative process, warning against premature endorsements. “Before we start endorsing one another, we must follow a consultative process,” he said.
He also cautioned against multiple centres of communication within the party, insisting that all official communication must come from one command structure.
Oginga further stressed the need for credible party primaries to avoid post-election disputes and internal conflicts.
ODM acting Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo asserted her authority, dismissing claims of confusion within the party leadership. “I am not confused, as has been suggested. I will focus on my duties as Secretary-General,” she said.
Governor Ahmed and Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati urged reconciliation efforts to bring back dissenting members and strengthen the party ahead of 2027.
Former Attorney General and Busia Senator Amos Wako, a party trustee, assured delegates that ODM’s structures remained intact.
Party Chairperson Gladys Wanga acknowledged that the next general election would be more competitive, noting that leaders who previously relied on Raila Odinga’s influence would now have to campaign independently. She admitted the party had suffered a setback following Raila’s death, but urged leaders to continue building on his legacy and steer the party forward.