By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has launched early preparations for the 2027 General Election following a Central Committee meeting held in Kilifi County on January Monday.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the party said it had reviewed its political, organisational and strategic standing, resolving to begin structured preparations immediately rather than waiting until next year.
The committee directed that work begin on policy development, organisational readiness, coalition-building and candidate preparedness, signalling ODM’s intention not only to contest the election but to form the next government.
The meeting also reviewed ODM’s recent political performance, noting that the party won all three parliamentary seats it contested during the November 2025 by-elections.
The Central Committee said the victories reflected growing voter confidence in the party and its candidates.
ODM further assessed the outcomes of its 20th anniversary celebrations, which it described as successful and nationally inclusive.
According to the statement, the celebrations reaffirmed the party’s long-standing role in Kenya’s struggle for democracy, social justice and inclusive governance.
On accountability and reform, the committee continued its review of the implementation of the party’s 10-point agenda, with particular focus on the unresolved issue of compensation for victims of public protests.
The party noted court rulings that declared the proposed Panel of Experts on Compensation for Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests unlawful, resolving that any compensation should be channelled through constitutionally and legally recognised institutions, specifically the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The Central Committee also announced plans to initiate structured negotiations with other political formations ahead of the next election cycle, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The party leader has been mandated to lead the process, alongside parallel consultations with party members that will culminate in a National Delegates Convention (NDC).
On compliance matters, ODM said it had received a favourable report from the Auditor-General, noting that the party has maintained clean financial records for 20 consecutive years.
The committee added that ODM is among the few political parties found to be fully compliant with the Political Parties Act by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.