Party at a crossroads: For ODM to reclaim relevance, it must retrace its steps

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), once a formidable national force, now finds itself grappling with internal divisions, strategic drift and an uneasy relationship with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

What was built as a broad, people-driven movement risks losing its identity amid growing perceptions of elite control and disunity.

At the centre of this tension are senior figures, including Oburu Oginga and close associates, whose influence is increasingly seen as alienating sections of the party’s grassroots base. Internal feuds have replaced the cohesion that once made ODM a national powerhouse capable of commanding loyalty across regions.

Rather than focusing on rebuilding internal unity, ODM appears preoccupied with zoning debates and complaints about disrespect from UDA. Such an approach misreads the nature of political strength. Parties thrive by sharpening their ideas and structures through competition, not by relying on fragile cooperation that breeds suspicion.

For ODM to reclaim relevance, it must retrace its steps—rebuild trust within its ranks, open space for broader participation and reassert its independence. Without deliberate renewal, the party risks drifting further from the strong national movement it once was.