Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and Kibra parliamentary aspirant Raila Odinga Junior during a meeting with Nairobi's grassroot leaders on October 27, 2026/HANDOUT

Kibra parliamentary aspirant Raila Odinga Junior has met Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and Nairobi aspirants to discuss party unity, fair nominations and strengthening grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement after the meeting, Junior described the engagement as fruitful, saying the discussions centred on ensuring unity within the party and strengthening its structures from the grassroots.

“A very fruitful meeting with our Deputy Party Leader, Hon. Simba Arati, alongside Nairobi ODM aspirants, as we engage on party unity, fair nominations, and strengthening ODM from the grassroots ahead of 2027,” he said.

The meeting comes as ODM prepares for the next general election amid internal alignment over its political direction, leadership and relationship with President William Ruto's administration.

Junior has recently stepped up his political engagements, including meetings with local leaders and community representatives as he prepares to contest the Kibra parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket.

On October 16, Raila Junior announced he was eyeing the Kibra seat, while his sister, East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga, had announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat.

Junior's interest in Kibra has drawn attention because his late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, represented the larger Langata constituency for two decades before it was split into Kibra and Langata.

Junior has also been calling for unity within ODM as divisions over the party's direction deepen ahead of the elections.

On October 18, he urged members dissatisfied with the party's leadership or political decisions to remain in ODM and resolve their differences internally rather than leave the movement.

He argued that the party should accommodate different opinions and remain united despite disagreements over its future.

The latest meeting with Arati and Nairobi aspirants places grassroots organisation and nominations among the issues being discussed as politicians position themselves for the 2027 contests.

Fair nominations are particularly important to aspirants seeking the party's ticket, which will determine who represents ODM in different elective seats.

The engagement also comes as ODM continues operating under party leader Oburu Oginga, who has recently been unwell. He confirmed he is recovering well at home after being discharged from the hospital.

In september, Oburu expressed confidence that the party would continue running in his absence, citing the leadership of his deputy, Arati alongside the party's national organs and secretariat.

Arati has been helping oversee the party's day-to-day operations while Oburu attended to his health.

As the 2027 elections approach, ODM faces the task of maintaining its grassroots networks while managing competing political interests within its ranks.