Tensions inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) continue to deepen after Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo publicly threatened to leave the party.
Speaking to his constituents on Thursday, November 20, Nabulindo said he would have no choice but to quit ODM if the party’s leadership decides to cut ties with President William Ruto’s government.
Nabulindo reminded his supporters that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was the one who initially guided ODM members toward supporting the broad-based government arrangement.
He stressed that abandoning this partnership now would go against the direction Raila set, adding that if ODM leaders insist on walking away from the agreement, they would be doing so without him.
“I am an ODM MP, but I chose to stand with the broad-based government because Raila himself instructed us to do so. If those currently leading ODM decide to end this cooperation, they will be doing it on their own,” Nabulindo declared.
During his address, he criticised a group of ODM politicians who are allegedly pushing for the return of nationwide protests.
He argued that such demonstrations were no longer necessary and insisted that people in Western Kenya had already agreed to support the unity arrangement instead of returning to the streets in the name of Maandamano.
According to Nabulindo, the renewed push for protests raises questions about the true motives behind them.
He went on to defend President Ruto’s administration, saying the government had already achieved meaningful progress within three years, including improvements in affordable housing, water supply, and electricity access.
Nabulindo warned that if ODM leaders attempt to regroup as a strong opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, he would be forced to walk away from the party altogether. He made it clear that he and his supporters intended to remain aligned with the broad-based government.
“We will continue supporting the broad-based government. If some leaders from Nyanza decide to return to the streets, then we will leave the party to them and stand with Ruto’s administration,” he added firmly.
His comments come at a time when internal rifts within ODM appear to be growing. Several members have openly questioned the party’s relationship with President Ruto’s regime.
Among the most vocal critics is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has repeatedly warned that ODM risks losing its identity and strength if it continues working closely with the government.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has also voiced concerns about the partnership, challenging the credibility of the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between ODM and UDA.
According to Orengo, the agreement has raised serious doubts among party loyalists who fear that ODM may be losing its independence.
The ongoing divisions highlight a significant and escalating power struggle within ODM, with members split over whether to maintain cooperation with the ruling government or reclaim their position as a strong opposition force.
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