ODM Kilifi Meeting: Party Opens UDA Alliance Talks, Proposes KNCHR for Protest Compensation

By Feddy Madebe

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Committee has outlined a comprehensive roadmap for the party’s future, including preparations for the 2027 general elections, pre-election political alliances, and a constitutional framework for compensating victims of public protests.

The resolutions were reached during a Central Committee meeting held in Kilifi County on January 12, 2026, where party leaders convened to review the political, organizational, and strategic state of the party.

20th Anniversary Celebrations

The Central Committee received and reviewed a comprehensive report on the marking of the party’s 20th anniversary. The Kilifi meeting saw committee members express satisfaction with the successful organization, broad national participation, and inclusive engagement during the celebrations, noting that the events reaffirmed ODM’s enduring relevance, resilience, and roots in the struggle for democracy, social justice, and inclusive governance.

November 2025 By-Elections Performance

The committee reviewed the outcome of the November 2025 by-elections, during which the party fielded candidates in three parliamentary constituencies and emerged victorious in all. The committee noted with appreciation the confidence demonstrated by voters in ODM candidates, viewing the results as a strong endorsement of the party’s agenda and leadership.

Early Preparations for 2027 General Election

The Central Committee, meeting in Kilifi, emphasized that general elections will be held next year and resolved that the party cannot afford to wait to begin preparations. The committee directed that structured work commence immediately, positioning ODM not only to contest next year’s general elections but to form the next government.

The party’s strategic priorities include policy development, organizational readiness, coalition building, and comprehensive preparations across all levels.

Compensation for Victims of Protests

Continuing the review of the Ten-Point Agenda implementation, the Central Committee addressed the unresolved matter of compensation for victims of public protests. Noting that courts have declared the proposed Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests unlawful, the committee resolved to propose that any compensation monies be channeled through constitutionally and legally recognized institutions, specifically the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

Pre-Election Political Alliances

In a significant political development, the Kilifi committee meeting expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). To this end, the party has mandated its leader to commence the alliance negotiation process.

Concurrently, consultations with party members will proceed, culminating in a National Delegates Convention where members will have their say on the proposed political arrangements.

Compliance with Political Parties Act

The Central Committee received a report from the Auditor General and was satisfied that for the twentieth consecutive year, the party has been commended for maintaining clean books. The committee was also satisfied that ODM is one of the few parties that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties found to be fully compliant with the Political Parties Act.

Implementation

The Central Committee mandated the relevant party organs to operationalize these resolutions and report progress to the appropriate leadership structures.

The statement was issued by the ODM Central Committee from Kilifi County on January 12, 2026.