Kindiki sends goodwill as ODM holds Nairobi NDC

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki/FILE

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has extended goodwill to the Orange Democratic Movement as the party convenes its National Delegates Conference (NDC) at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, in a meeting seen as pivotal to its internal stability and future direction.

Kindiki, in his message shared on X, framed ODM as a partner in the current broad-based political arrangement, signalling the continued working relationship between the ruling side and sections of the opposition.

“Good luck, ODM, our partners in the broad-based administration,” Kindiki stated.

His remarks point to the evolving political landscape, where cooperation between former rivals has become more pronounced following recent engagements between the government and the ODM party.

Kindiki’s message comes amid growing tensions within ODM, where rival factions are holding parallel meetings in Nairobi, exposing deepening divisions within one of Kenya’s largest political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NDC at Jamhuri Grounds, backed by the party’s mainstream leadership, is expected to bring together thousands of delegates from across the country to deliberate on leadership and organisational matters.

At the same time, a rival faction aligned with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has rejected the meeting and planned a separate gathering.

ODM, long associated with opposition politics, has in recent months undergone shifts that have seen parts of its leadership adopt a more conciliatory approach towards the government, even as internal dissent grows.

The current divisions trace back to disagreements over party leadership and direction, with some leaders pushing for consolidation under the existing leadership while others challenge the legitimacy of recent decisions.

Recently, the government has been encouraging inclusive engagement across political divides following the unrest witnessed in 2024.