Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has strongly criticised a section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), particularly the Linda Ground faction associated with Oburu Odinga, warning that leaders from Western Kenya may be forced to rethink their loyalty to the party if they continue feeling ignored and pushed aside.
Speaking during a public address in Lugari, Kakamega County, on Friday, April 24, Oparanya openly expressed his disappointment with what he described as a growing pattern of sidelining leaders from the Western region in key party decisions.
His remarks reflected deep concern over what he sees as a shift in how ODM is currently being managed.
The former deputy party leader of ODM went further to compare the current leadership approach with that of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
According to Oparanya, Western Kenya leaders previously enjoyed recognition, inclusion, and respect during Raila’s time at the helm.
He suggested that things have significantly changed, leaving many leaders from the region feeling overlooked and undervalued.
“I want to send a clear message to the current ODM leadership. This time round, they should not take us for granted. Raila always respected leaders from Western Kenya.
Those who have now taken over leadership after his passing must also learn to respect us. If that respect is not there, then we will have no choice but to walk away,” Oparanya stated firmly.
He emphasised that leaders from Western Kenya were instrumental in building and strengthening ODM over the years, playing a major role in its growth and influence across the country.
However, he now believes that despite their contributions, they are no longer being included in crucial decision-making processes or benefiting from power-sharing arrangements within the party.
Oparanya also criticised what he described as the current leadership’s misplaced priorities. He accused some leaders of focusing more on negotiating positions and influence within the government led by President William Ruto, instead of addressing the real concerns and needs of ordinary supporters at the grassroots level.
“We were once very close and actively involved as leaders in these party structures. But now, it seems like some individuals are only interested in advancing their own positions. They are focused on gaining power, yet they have forgotten the people of Western Kenya,” he said.
He added that leaders from the region are equally interested in being represented and having a fair share of influence, warning against any assumption that only a few individuals or factions should dominate the party’s direction.
“We also want a share of leadership and power. It should not appear as if only a select group is entitled to it while others are ignored,” he stressed.
Oparanya cautioned that if the concerns raised by Western leaders continue to be ignored, it could lead to a major political shift as the country approaches the 2027 General Elections.
He hinted that the region might reconsider its political alignment if the current situation does not change.
His remarks come at a time when internal divisions within ODM are becoming more visible. The party is currently experiencing tensions that have led to the emergence of rival factions, including the Linda Mwananchi movement led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
While the Linda Ground faction has been accused of sidelining certain regions, the Sifuna-led group has been actively engaging supporters at the grassroots level, especially in traditional ODM strongholds. This growing rivalry is seen as a sign of deeper cracks within the party.
The Linda Mwananchi faction is expected to officially launch its activities in Vihiga on Saturday, April 25, before heading to Kisumu on Sunday, April 26, where a major rally is planned.
These events are likely to further shape the direction of the party as different factions compete for influence.
At the same time, Oparanya’s statements also come amid reports of possible talks between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The discussions are said to be focused on forming a new broad-based political arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election, a move that could significantly reshape Kenya’s political landscape.
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