ODM leader Oburu Odinga has strongly criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta, issuing clear directives to party members as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) prepares to formally leave the Azimio la Umoja coalition. The party described recent changes within Azimio as unwarranted interference.
Speaking in Mombasa during a meeting of the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC), Oburu emphasized that no decisions in the Azimio coalition can be made without consulting ODM.
He stressed that ODM is the largest and most influential party within the coalition, making its approval essential for any major decisions.
Oburu also revealed that ODM had already effectively left Azimio, and what remains is merely the formal process of exiting, which the party plans to complete soon. “We left a long time ago; what we need to do now is just the formal step of exiting, which we will do very soon.
We are going to leave this moribund organisation called Azimio and move forward,” he said, signaling a definitive break from the coalition.
The ODM leader further criticized the appointment of Kalonzo Musyoka as the coalition’s party leader, arguing that ODM was completely bypassed in the decision-making process. “This thing called Azimio—yes, we are part of Azimio.
But the majority, the strongest party in Azimio, is ODM. No decision can be made without consulting us,” Oburu stated. He added, “You cannot simply appoint a new leader of Azimio while excluding ODM. If we do not agree, then there is no valid resolution in Azimio.”
These remarks came in response to recent changes initiated by Azimio chairperson, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, which included appointing Kalonzo Musyoka as party leader.
Other adjustments involved removing Junet Mohamed as Secretary General and replacing him with Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, as well as appointing Philip Kisia as Organising Secretary following the resignation of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.
During the NEC meeting, Oburu also addressed ODM members who have repeatedly acted against the party’s official positions.
While acknowledging the individual rights of party members to express their views, he expressed disappointment at those who ignore collective decisions.
“This is very concerning. When we pass resolutions here, some members of the central committee go out and publicly say the opposite of what we have agreed upon,” Oburu noted.
He specifically mentioned party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Senator James Orengo, and others who have aligned themselves with the movement known as Linda Mwananchi, warning them to adhere to party unity.
Through his remarks, Oburu Odinga sent a clear message that ODM is prepared to assert its authority, safeguard its interests, and formally sever ties with Azimio, while demanding loyalty and discipline from all party members.
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