ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has announced that the party will formally leave the Azimio coalition and focus on strengthening its own political path.
Speaking in Mombasa during the opening of the party’s National Executive Committee meeting at PrideInn Hotel, he said ODM cannot remain in a coalition where it feels sidelined in key decisions.
He insisted that ODM remains the strongest party within the coalition and must be involved in any major moves.
Oburu said no leader can make decisions in Azimio without ODM’s agreement.
He criticised attempts to appoint leaders or make changes without consulting the party.
According to him, Azimio stopped functioning the moment ODM stepped away and the upcoming exit will only complete a process that has already begun. He described the coalition as inactive and said ODM will soon finalise all formal steps to withdraw.
He also spoke about the party’s current political direction, saying the late Raila Odinga had placed ODM within the Broad-Based Government arrangement.
Oburu stated that ODM will continue working with its present partners, including the ruling UDA party, especially on the agreed ten point agenda. However, he made it clear that ODM is not rushing into any promises about future presidential terms or alliances. He said the party’s main focus is to remain strong and ready for future negotiations if needed.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta who is also the Azimio La Umoja chairperson. Photo Courtesy:
During his speech, Oburu warned party officials against contradicting official decisions after internal meetings. He said democracy within the party must be guided by discipline and respect for agreed resolutions.
According to him, once the majority makes a decision, all members should stand by it and resolve disagreements through party structures instead of public statements. His remarks were widely seen as directed at Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who did not attend the Mombasa NEC meeting.
Sifuna and Deputy Party Leader Geoffrey Osotsi were absent from the gathering, raising more questions about internal tensions.
Senior leaders present included Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati, Gladys Wanga, Junet Mohammed, Esther Passaris and Otiende Amollo. Reports suggest the NEC may discuss Sifuna’s future following his criticism of ODM’s cooperation with UDA.
The meeting comes only weeks after another high level session in Vipingo that Sifuna also skipped.
Although officials maintain the party is united, back to back meetings and strong public statements have increased attention on divisions within the leadership. The NEC later moved into a closed door session as media were asked to leave.
The Mombasa gathering marks the start of a four day Coast region tour by ODM leaders.
After the meeting, leaders plan to engage local delegates and continue visits across several counties including Lamu, Garsen, Magarini, Mariakani, Taveta and Ukunda. Heavy security has been seen around the hotel as delegates and supporters arrive for the planned events.