ODM Clarifies its Position in Government
“There is no legal arrangement for ODM to work or be part of the government, so ODM is not part of the government,” Millie Odhiambo.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo. Photo by Millie Odhiambo.
By Robert Mutasi
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has reiterated that it does not have any formal legal ties with the current government, despite cooperating to address the country’s challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the party, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo clarified the nature of ODM’s engagement with the government, stressing that the party has maintained a “loose working relationship” aimed at stabilizing the nation’s political and economic climate.
Odhiambo emphasized that ODM’s cooperation with the government was solely to normalize the situation in the country, but there is no official or legal agreement binding ODM to work as part of the government.
“There is no legal arrangement for ODM to work or be part of the government, so ODM is not part of the government,” she stated.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation about ODM’s role in the government, with some Kenyans questioning whether the party had officially joined the ruling coalition.
Since the hotly contested 2022 general election, political dynamics in the country have evolved, with various opposition figures occasionally aligning with government policies to promote national stability.
Odhiambo’s statement echoes earlier sentiments expressed by ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has previously explained that the party’s involvement with the government was issue-based and focused on key national interests, rather than political alignment.
He stressed that ODM’s priority was to ensure that Kenyan citizens are not adversely affected by the tough economic times, calling on leaders from all political sides to prioritize national unity and economic recovery over partisan politics.
Analysts suggest that the move by ODM is a pragmatic approach to addressing Kenya’s pressing challenges, particularly inflation, unemployment, and public debt.
While not formally part of the government, ODM’s cooperation has the potential to bridge divides between the opposition and the ruling coalition, fostering a more collaborative approach to national issues.
However, ODM remains clear in distancing itself from any formal government positions, with Odhiambo’s statement reinforcing the party’s independence.