'BROAD - BASED UNITY CONTINUES' SAYS ARATI

ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati says the party will remain part of the broad-based government up until 2027.
"We have said that we will remain in a broad-based [government] until 2027; everyone should plan themselves going forward," Arati said.

Addressing supporters during an evening rally in Nakuru, the Kisii Governor urged ODM members to remain steadfast in their commitment to accountability despite the party’s engagement with the government.

"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," said Arati.

Arati argued that ODM's involvement in the broad-based arrangement does not mean that the party has joined the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition. He said ODM only seconded professionals to the government but remained an independent political party committed to defending justice and transparency.

"Nakuru, you know that we in ODM have rejected the theft of public property, because our children who are growing up will not find a country," he said.

"We have rejected the killings of innocent people, even if we are in a broad-based government, we will not accept any abuse, any violation of human rights." In October 2025, the party's Central Management Committee announced that ODM would remain in the broad-based government up until 2027, an initiative spearheaded by President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga.

Arati’s comments come amid ongoing debate within the ODM over its role in the broad-based government, with some viewing the arrangements as an opportunity for national unity and others fearing it could weaken the party’s identity ahead of the 2027 general elections. During a memorial service for the late Raila Odinga in Homa Bay on Wednesday, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga defended the move, arguing the party was only following the path set by its former party leader. “We are in broad-based to stay because that is where Raila Odinga left us. In 2027, we are either the government or in the coalition that forms the government,” said Wanga.