The deep divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) came to light over the weekend as leaders took opposing sides on whether the party should engage with President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
The split was evident during the Western Region Convention held in Kakamega, where party members clashed over key decisions made by the ODM leadership.
One of the main issues raised was the allegation that the party’s Central Management Committee had been making major decisions without consulting the broader membership.
The most contentious decision was ODM’s apparent cooperation with the government, which some members feel contradicts the party’s long-standing opposition stance.
A section of leaders who strongly oppose working with the government took issue with those who have in the past criticized ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Sifuna has remained one of the few ODM leaders consistently challenging the government, even as the party appears to be softening its stance.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera openly questioned the party’s contradictory position on working with Ruto’s government.
They warned that ODM must clarify its position soon, or risk serious internal divisions.
“When Baba (Raila Odinga) returns from his African Union engagements, we expect him to make it clear whether ODM is in government or in opposition,” Amisi stated.
He warned that failure to resolve the matter could lead to the emergence of two factions within ODM—one aligned with the government and another firmly in opposition.
The situation became so heated that ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga had to step in to prevent the disagreements from escalating further.
assured members that the party was not looking to officially align itself with Ruto’s administration. Instead, she emphasized that ODM’s primary goal remained securing power in the next general election.
“We have discussed the issue of the broad-based government, and our position as a party is clear. The purpose of any political party is to seek power, and that remains our main objective,” Wanga declared.
She further confirmed that ODM would field candidates for all elective positions in the 2027 elections.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati was even more vocal, dismissing the possibility of ODM joining forces with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Arati boldly claimed that UDA was politically weak and had no future.
“Your Excellency William Ruto, let me make it clear—ODM cannot merge with UDA. Politically, UDA is already dead,” Arati said.
Meanwhile, those who had criticized Edwin Sifuna for his constant attacks on the government were met with strong resistance from senior ODM figures.
ODM’s interim party leader, Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, made it clear that the party fully supports Sifuna.
“Edwin Sifuna has our complete confidence, and I urge all of you to stand with him,” Nyong’o asserted.
The Kakamega convention exposed the growing internal struggles within ODM, with leaders sharply divided over the party’s relationship with the government.
With Raila Odinga away on international duties, all eyes are now on him to return and give direction on ODM’s political future.
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