The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will field candidates in all elective positions in the 2027 General Election except the presidency, which the party has agreed to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid, Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo has said.

Omanyo said the party, which is part of the broad-based government, remained committed to supporting Ruto while pursuing its ambitions of securing more parliamentary and county elective seats.

Speaking during a meeting with ODM members in Teso North, she urged party supporters to rally behind the President and remain united as the party prepares for the next General Election.

She dismissed claims by opposition leaders that ODM had weakened following the departure of some members, insisting that the party remained firmly established across the country.

Omanyo described those who had defected to other political formations as traitors, accusing some of having planned their exit even before the burial of former party leader Raila Odinga.

“We knew that some people would betray the party. These were people who, when they held positions of leadership, prevented others from meeting the late Raila Odinga,” she said.

She accused the defectors of aligning themselves with leaders who promoted division, individualism and personal interests, arguing that such values contradicted the principles championed by Raila.

She cited democracy, equitable distribution of national resources and the pursuit of a just society as some of the ideals the former Prime Minister had advocated.

The Acting Secretary General commended members who had remained loyal to ODM and continued supporting its activities despite the challenges following Raila’s death and the departure of some party officials.

She urged grassroots leaders and supporters to intensify mobilisation efforts to expand the party’s support base and secure more elective positions in the 2027 elections.

Omanyo also challenged ODM elected leaders to deliver on their campaign promises, warning them against relying on last-minute handouts and gifts to influence voters during the next election.

She said leaders should demonstrate their commitment through meaningful service rather than wait until the campaign period to distribute money and other incentives.

“Do not just hide in ODM and do nothing. Ensure you work for the people who elected you so that they can trust our party, because everyone will be accountable for what they have delivered to those who elected them,” she said.

Omanyo noted that ODM’s performance in the parliamentary and county elections would determine its bargaining strength in the formation of the next government under the broad-based arrangement.

She added that members who had remained committed to the party and actively supported its activities would be considered for appointments whenever opportunities arose.

On concerns about the representation of the Teso community in government, Omanyo dismissed claims that the region had been sidelined, saying several members of the community were already serving in different capacities.

She, however, pledged to advocate for additional appointments for the community whenever opportunities became available.

by Moses Wekesa