ODM Leaders Hold Strategic Talks With Putin-Linked Party in Moscow

Senior figures from Kenya's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) recently concluded a high-level consultative meeting with representatives from Russia's dominant political force, United Russia Party (URP), on Tuesday, 15 July. 

The meeting in Moscow underscores ODM's strategic objective of cultivating global alliances through what it describes as "political party diplomacy," ahead of the Kenyan opposition party's National Delegates Convention (NDC) planned for October 2025. The ODM delegation, spearheaded by Deputy Party Leader Senator Godfrey Osotsi, included notable figures such as Siaya Senator and party Trustee Oburu Odinga, Rarieda MP and ODM National Vice Chairman Otiende Amollo, and Kitengela Ward MCA Paul Matuyia. 

The group was officially welcomed at the URP headquarters by Andrey Klimov, a member of URP’s Supreme Council and Deputy Chairperson of the Federal Council Committee on Foreign Relations, indicating the importance that URP attributes to this partnership. Bilateral discussions centred on prospective areas of collaboration, encompassing institutional reinforcement, governance frameworks, and the practical aspects of party organisation. 

The promotion of political party diplomacy as a mechanism for democratic advancement and reciprocal learning emerged as a key theme. Senator Osotsi conveyed a goodwill message from ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga to the URP leadership, underscoring ODM's dedication to fostering long-term relationships with aligned political entities internationally. While the specific details of the message were not disclosed, party sources described it as cordial and forward-looking. The engagement coincided with a broader visit of Kenyan lawmakers to Russia.

United Russia, established in 2001 through the amalgamation of pro-Kremlin blocs including the “Unity” movement, has since become synonymous with Russia’s centralised political authority. Often referred to as the "party of power," URP serves as a crucial mechanism for solidifying presidential influence within the legislative branch. The party’s ascendancy is inextricably linked to Vladimir Putin’s rise and sustained popularity. 

While Putin relinquished the formal role of party chairman upon resuming the presidency in 2012, his position as URP’s de facto leader remains unchallenged. He continues to address party congresses and exert substantial influence over the party’s strategic direction. Dmitry Medvedev currently holds the chairmanship.

ODM’s engagement with URP is significant given the Kenyan opposition party’s preparations to host its National Delegates Convention (NDC) in October 2025, a critical juncture as it prepares for the 2027 General Elections. In this context, the Moscow meeting signals ODM’s intent to broaden its ideological and institutional horizons, potentially assimilating lessons from URP’s operational model.