Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is today scheduled to chair Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) top organ to take a common stand on whether the party should enter into a coalition with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The meeting comes amid sharp differences within the party over claims that Raila could be warming up towards President Ruto’s government with some of his allies such as Siaya Governor James Orengo cautioning him to tread carefully he dents his illustrious legacy.

This would be the first time Raila would be chairing ODM’s Central Management Committee since he stepped aside to concentrate on his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship and named Kisumu governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o as the acting party leader.

One of the ODM’s deputy party leaders Godfrey Osotsi told People Daily last evening that the meeting would discuss among other issues, whether to formalise a coalition arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza.

The Vihiga Senator said the meeting will provide a platform for ODM leaders to chart the way forward in strengthening the party’s position both locally and on the continental stage.

“As a party we have not entered into any arrangement with any party, but tomorrow’s meeting will decide on how to move forward. I know Kenyans are anxious about the next move our party leader will take,” Osotsi said.

He further added : “This gathering is not just about reflecting on past failures but also about laying a foundation for the future of the ODM and its role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape. The outcomes of this meeting could have far-reaching implications for the party’s strategies and its supporters in the months ahead. Meanwhile, Orengo has cautioned ODM members to go slow on the push to fully join the broad-based government.

Orengo’s caution appears to stem from a desire to maintain focus and stability within the party during a politically tumultuous time.

Fostering inclusivity While the broad-based government might hold appeal for fostering inclusivity and collaboration across political lines, Orengo said ODM must tread carefully to avoid compromising its core values.

He emphasized the need for the ODM leadership, including Raila, to proceed with consultation across the country but avoid hasty decisions.

“I want to caution my colleagues not to be so excited about this broad-based government. We must tread carefully. We must be careful not to just sing their chorus,” said Orengo.

The Siaya County boss instead challenged the party leaders to prioritize internal cohesion and clear messaging rather than rushing into alliances that could dilute their platform or alienate their base.

He charged that the ODM party, which has been in existence for 20 years but has yet to produce a President should review its goals and strategies, ensuring that any movements toward a broader coalition are built on solid foundations that resonate with their supporters.

Political challenges Orengo further warned his colleagues in the Orange party to strike a balance between ambition and pragmatism in the face of evolving political challenges, cautioning against carrying the skunk of the current administration. Orengo made the remarks during a burial in Siaya County over the weekend.

Orengo’s remarks came after Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi voiced his support for the collaboration between Raila and President William Ruto. Atandi told the mourners that the region could reap big benefits if it rallies behind President Ruto ahead of the 2027 polls.

“I want to urge our members to support this government. I talked to Raila and he promised me that I would get a plum position. If I get it, you shall all reap from the position,” said Atandi amidst applause.

Sources intimated to People Daily that Atandi is eying the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriation Committee or the Finance Committee in the imminent shake-up of committees in parliament. The purge which is being done progressively is to accommodate Raila’s lieutenants in the broad-based administration after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s allies broke ranks with President Ruto.

Atandi who has severed ties with his political buddy turned foe Orengo, underscored that Raila is actively engaging in extensive consultations, suggesting that joining Ruto’s administration is the panacea to the region’s woes and development marginalization.

“We are better off in supporting this government than any other opposition coalition being crafted by Gachagua. I want to urge our people that supporting Ruto’s government will come with huge benefits,” said Atandi.

Atandi pointed out a contradiction in the statements made by Gachagua, who had previously questioned Raila’s electability, especially in Mt Kenya.

“It’s surprising now that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appears to be extending an invitation for Raila to consider a presidential run. He is now suggesting that he would receive backing from the opposition. Initially, he told Kenyans Raila is not electable, why now court him?” posed Atandi.

Last week, while in Kisumu, Raila disclosed that he would make public his stand on fully supporting President Ruto’s second-term campaign agenda or backing the opposition.

His promise for a major announcement has heightened anxiety amid building opposition alliances with millions of Kenyans waiting to hear what he will say on his next bold step after the AU bid flopped. Already, there are open divisions in the ODM with some leaders backing Raila and Ruto’s dalliance while others led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna reading from a different script.