Siaya Governor James Orengo has declared a political reset within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), invoking the legacy of past reform struggles during a delegates’ convention held at Nairobi’s iconic Ufungamano House.
Speaking after the ODM People’s Delegates Convention, Orengo framed the gathering as a turning point, linking it to the historic role played by Ufungamano House in Kenya’s constitutional reform movement.
“Historically, Ufungamano House served as a sanctuary for civic movements and birthed the Ufungamano Initiative, offering a grassroots alternative to politically compromised constitutional processes in the early 2000s,” Orengo said.
He added that the same spirit had returned, describing the convention as the beginning of a new political chapter for the party and the country.
The meeting brought together ODM county chairpersons and delegates from across the country, in what insiders described as an attempt to re-energise the party’s grassroots structures amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Orengo, a long-time ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, said the convention marked “a definitive fresh start for a new Kenya,” signalling renewed efforts to reposition the party as a central force in national politics.
“The People’s NDC at Ufungamano Hall, a historic symbol of liberation. The struggle continues. The future begins,” he said.
Ufungamano House occupies a special place in Kenya’s political history, having hosted clergy, civil society groups and opposition figures in the early 2000s who pushed for constitutional reforms outside government-controlled processes. The “Ufungamano Initiative” became a rallying point for demands for a people-driven constitution, eventually contributing to reforms that culminated in the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
By returning to the venue, ODM leaders appeared keen to draw parallels between past struggles for democratic space and current political realignments, particularly as parties begin laying the groundwork for the next election cycle.
Political analysts say the convention signals an internal recalibration within ODM, as it seeks to consolidate its support base while responding to emerging challenges from rival formations and internal dissent.
The emphasis on grassroots delegates and county leadership also points to a strategy focused on rebuilding the party from the ground up, amid concerns over waning influence in some regions.
Orengo’s remarks come at a time when the opposition landscape remains fluid, with leaders exploring new alliances and strategies to counter the ruling coalition.
