The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has declared that it will fiercely defend its traditional support bases and mobilise votes for the broad-based political formation in next year's elections, signalling an early start to its campaign strategy.
Speaking during a women's economic empowerment event in Suna East Constituency, ODM Secretary-General and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said the party remained united and politically strong despite recent shifts in the country's political landscape.
"The ODM Party stands strong to protect its strongholds and deliver the presidential vote to the broad-based formation next year," Mr Mohamed said.
The remarks come amid growing political activity in ODM's traditional bastions, with leaders positioning themselves ahead of the elections and seeking to consolidate support in regions that have historically voted overwhelmingly for the party.
Mr Mohamed also called for political unity in the region, saying leaders should work together to ensure their communities remained influential in national politics.
"Today we made the case for unity in our region to ensure our people approach next year's polls as one people with one goal: to entrench in government and deliver development to our people and region," he said.
He defended ODM's cooperation with President William Ruto's administration, arguing that the party had chosen engagement with government as a means of advancing its development agenda.
"We still maintain that our time is up in opposition politics and street protests. Our party seconded top leaders to the government and we intend to use that channel to pursue and achieve the goals of our long struggle," Mr Mohamed said.
He further urged leaders who remain sceptical of the party's new political direction to join ODM, insisting that the party remained "strong, united, lethal and ready."
The event also raised Sh35 million to support women-led small and medium enterprises in Suna East, an initiative Mr Mohamed said received support from President William Ruto, ODM leader Dr Oburu Odinga and other leaders from across the country.
Mr Mohamed's remarks are likely to shape political debate within ODM and its traditional support bases as the party seeks to balance its cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration while retaining its grip on regions that have long formed the bedrock of its electoral support.
