Kisumu — The Orange Democratic Motion (ODM) is going through a deepening inside disaster following Raila Odinga’s failed bid for the African Union Fee (AUC) chairmanship.
The loss to Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has intensified divisions throughout the get together, with some key members aligning themselves with President William Ruto’s authorities, whereas others warn of a looming rebel if the administration fails to handle Kenyans’ considerations.
The result has emboldened factions inside ODM, with some leaders declaring a revolt from President William Ruto’s administration which the get together had aligned itself to, elevating questions concerning the pact which noticed top-ranking get together officers named to the Cupboard.
Deputy get together leaders Hassan Joho (Mining) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), together with former ODM chairperson John Mbadi (Nationwide Treasury) and Secretary for Political Affairs Opiyo Wandayi (Vitality), have all taken up Cupboard positions.
Their appointments has fueled debate over ODM’s identification, with some insisting the get together continues to be the opposition whereas others argue it’s now a part of the federal government.
Performing get together chief Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o mentioned that ODM won’t be used to cowl up the federal government’s failures.
Talking on Saturday throughout the burial of historian Prof. Bethwel Ogot in Gem, Siaya County, Nyong’o emphasised that it isn’t the get together’s obligation to constantly “extinguish fires” throughout the authorities.
“Over time, as these of us who’ve been within the wrestle know, now we have stood with the folks to demand higher companies,” mentioned Nyong’o, who additionally serves as Kisumu Governor. He identified that ODM, underneath former chief Raila Odinga, stepped in to stabilize the federal government throughout the Gen Z protests however warned that such assist wouldn’t be forthcoming if grievances stay unresolved.
He significantly urged the federal government to behave on points raised by younger protesters, criticizing its complacency. “It is good that Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Employees accountable for efficiency and supply administration, is right here so he can clarify what the federal government has carried out for the folks,” Nyong’o said.
The scenario has escalated following Raila’s failed AUC bid, with political realignments gaining momentum.
Some ODM leaders have interpreted the loss as an indication of Raila’s declining affect, fueling hypothesis concerning the get together’s future and whether or not it may possibly stay a united opposition drive.
ODM Secretary Common Edwin Sifuna has referred to as on get together lawmakers and officers who’ve aligned themselves with President Ruto to resign and formally be a part of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Sifuna, who additionally serves as Nairobi Senator, accused the officers of betraying the get together’s values by “turning into Ruto’s mouthpiece, supporting his punitive insurance policies, and abandoning the peculiar folks.”
“Depart ODM and be a part of UDA in case you can not defend Kenyans. Cease being sycophants and name out Ruto for the injustices taking place within the nation,” he mentioned in an announcement.
ODM Nationwide Chairperson Gladys Wanga has nonetheless, dismissed Sifuna’s remarks as divisive, arguing that ODM is strategically participating with Ruto’s regime whereas maintaining a tally of the 2027 elections–whether independently or as a part of a coalition.
One other influential ODM lawmaker, Peter Kaluma, has threatened to mobilize assist for Sifuna’s expulsion from the get together over his criticism of final yr’s Raila-Ruto deal. “We’re in authorities, and we’re shifting ahead,” he posted on X.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, echoing Nyong’o’s sentiments, harassed that authorities companies to the Luo group and all Kenyans ought to be seen for granted, not a privilege. “We aren’t guests on this nation. We shouldn’t be compelled to reward anybody to obtain growth,” Orengo mentioned, taking a swipe at some ODM members who’ve aligned with the federal government.
Others like Minority Whip Junet Mohamed are sometimes seen overtly declaring assist for Ruto’s administration, rejecting requires ODM members in authorities to resign. “Some are saying we should always go away. Depart to go the place? Allow them to proceed making noise as a result of we’re in ODM and authorities to remain,” he mentioned at a political gathering.
The widening cracks inside ODM underscore the rising uncertainty over Raila’s political future.
With key get together figures now embedded in authorities, the opposition panorama is shifting, leaving ODM at a crossroads–whether to stay an opposition drive or totally embrace the brand new political actuality.
On the identical time, Nyong’o and Orengo’s warnings to Kenya Kwanza point out that at the very least a faction inside ODM continues to be prepared to problem Ruto’s administration on governance points, together with healthcare, training, and the excessive value of living–long-standing grievances that proceed to gas public discontent.
