NAKURU, Kenya — The Deputy Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Simba Arati, has publicly declared that the party will maintain its role of putting the government in check, despite its current involvement in a broad-based arrangement with the administration.
Speaking in Nakuru town during a city tour that briefly paralyzed busy streets, Mr. Arati affirmed that the ODM would continue championing the core ideals that defined the life of the late party leader, Raila Odinga, including democracy, good governance, and fairness.
Commitment to oversight and opposition
Mr. Arati maintained that the ODM would not turn a blind eye to the violation of human rights and excesses committed by the administration.
He confirmed that the party intends to adhere to the cooperation agreement signed with the government, with the commitment running until the 2027 General Election, at which point the party will chart its next course.
The Kisii Governor was clear about the party’s non-negotiable stance on oversight:
“Even if we are in a broad-based government, we will not overlook violations of human rights and excesses by the administration. As the ODM party, there are some people that we will not be laughing with going into the future,” said Mr Arati.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with some of the current regime’s actions, noting they contradict the principles that the late Odinga stood and fought for. According to him, the party fundamentally rejects the theft of public resources, extra-judicial killing of Kenyans, abuse of power, and violation of human rights.
Arati rallied supporters, emphasizing that the liberation struggle continues:
“Baba is now gone, but he has left behind enough foot soldiers who are going to lead the liberation struggle of this country. We have all witnessed the extrajudicial killings, the abuse of powers and the theft of public resources. I want to call upon all Kenyans, especially the young people, to protect this country at all cost,” said Mr Arati.
The Governor cited an incident in 2023 when the government reportedly deployed General Service Unit (GSU) officers to his office in an act of intimidation.
Party unity and succession tensions
Mr. Arati’s strong statement comes amid mounting internal tension within the ODM following the death of Mr. Odinga. The party’s Central Organizing Committee recently appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the interim party leader, a move that exposed deep differences among various party factions.
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Mr. Arati is alleged to be part of a group advocating for a clear, independent political strategy, alongside Party Secretary Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi MP Babu Owino. T
his group contrasts with another faction reportedly pushing for the party to continue its alignment with the government, a team led by Party Chair Gladys Wanga, Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, and Opiyo Wandayi.
During his tour, Governor Arati stated his mission was to unify party members following Odinga’s demise. He affirmed that the ODM is actively working to retain its traditional strongholds while simultaneously expanding its national base.
