ODM Will Not Die, Party Is Here to Stay – Simba Arati

By Wasike Elvis 

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has strongly reaffirmed the party’s resilience, national outlook, and readiness to form the next government, declaring that ODM remains Kenya’s most organized and inclusive political movement.

Speaking in Eldoret during an ODM delegates’ meeting, Arati dismissed claims that the party is weakening, saying ODM has survived political storms before and will continue to shape the country’s future.

“ODM will not be allowed to die. This party is here to stay. As the Deputy Party Leader, I want to assure our members and Kenyans at large that ODM remains strong, united, and focused on transforming this country,” Arati said.

He noted that ODM’s strength lies in its nationwide presence, contrasting it with other parties that draw support from limited regions.

“ODM is not a regional party. It is a national movement with support across the country. That is why it has stood the test of time. Other parties may be strong in one region, but ODM belongs to the entire nation,” he stated.

Arati pointed out that Kenya has the potential to achieve economic success similar to leading global economies, arguing that the country lost valuable time due to poor leadership choices.

“When Kenya attained independence in 1963, we were at the same level of development as Singapore and South Korea. Today, those countries are global success stories. There is no reason why Kenya cannot surpass them if we get leadership right,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Arati declared that ODM is positioning itself to form the next government, urging party members to intensify grassroots mobilization and party-building efforts.

“We must be firm and ready to form the next government in 2027. This is not the time to relax. This is the time to organize, mobilize, and strengthen our structures from the grassroots to the national level,” he told the delegates.

Addressing President William Ruto, Arati said ODM remains open and confident in its national appeal, adding that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lacks the same countrywide reach.

“We are telling President William Ruto that ODM is a national party. UDA is mainly confined to the Rift Valley, but ODM has support across all regions of Kenya,” he said.

The ODM deputy leader also raised concern over low voter registration among young people, describing it as a major threat to the country’s democratic future.

“It is painful to see that many youths have not registered as voters. You can shout about one term or two terms, but without registering and voting, you are doing nothing. Voting is how you secure your future,” Arati said.

He urged the youth to take advantage of voter registration opportunities and play an active role in shaping the country’s leadership.

“Our young people must register as voters and be ready to participate in elections. The future of this country belongs to you, and you must take responsibility for it,” he added.

Arati reaffirmed his personal commitment to defending and strengthening the ODM party, assuring members that the leadership will not allow internal or external forces to weaken the movement.

“We will stand with this party, protect it, and ensure it remains strong and united. ODM is bigger than individuals; it is a movement for the people,” he said.

He further called on ODM delegates to recruit more members and expand the party’s base, especially in regions where the party is growing.

“I urge all our delegates to go back to the grassroots and register more members into ODM. Let us grow this party and prepare ourselves for victory in 2027,” Arati concluded.