Kisii Governor Simba Arati has reiterated that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party will only remain under the broad-based government deal until 2027.
Speaking during the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa on Friday, he expressed confidence that the party will form the next government in 2027.
The ODM Deputy leader urged party members to focus on Raila Odinga’s legacy and stay united.
Arati addressed growing concerns over internal dissent, calling on leaders to “stop bringing in confusion on the path that Raila showed us to walk.”
“If anyone among us is dissenting from Raila’s direction, I urge you to slow down. ODM is ours with all 15 million members. It is a democratic party. If you have a different opinion, speak out,” he added.
Arati reaffirmed the party’s long-term ambition to form the government.
“But the party’s stance is that in 2027, we will form the government. We have been in opposition for a long time.”
He said ODM would do so with like-minded people, stating these are “people who respect humanity and human rights, those who hate corruption and who want to develop the country.”
While the party is currently part of the broad-based government, Arati said in the future it will “wave the ODM flag” on its own.
“We have to win. The Coast region has been Raila’s stronghold. Please, let us not betray Raila,” he urged the residents.
He also stressed loyalty to Raila Odinga, saying, “We will ensure that this party honours Raila. We want to ask our brothers in ODM with a dissenting voice not to confuse the multitude in the party … There is a leadership. Let us not disrespect Baba.”
Arati’s remarks align with multiple public statements by ODM leaders in recent months.
He has previously stated that the party will stay in the current broad-based government until 2027, while retaining its independence and commitment to fighting corruption.
“We have said that we will remain in a broad-based [government] until 2027; everyone should plan themselves going forward,” Arati said.
“Going forward, there are people we will not laugh with. Young people, do you want us to laugh with thieves? We must protect this country with our status and wealth. We must reject corruption, even if we are in that broad-based government; justice must be done to every Kenyan.”
In October 2025, Arati urged President William Ruto to return to ODM.
