By Rasto Wamalwa.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Kenya’s leading opposition party, is grappling with an internal crisis as divisions over its future direction continue to widen.
This became evident during a highly charged meeting today at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega, where two distinct factions emerged one advocating for strict opposition to President William Ruto’s administration and the other calling for cooperation.
ODM, once a strong and unified force under Raila Odinga, now finds itself torn between maintaining its opposition stance and engaging with the government.
A faction led by Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Hamisi, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati insists that ODM must remain an unwavering opposition party. They argue that any form of collaboration with President Ruto would weaken the party’s identity and betray its supporters.
Speaking at the event, Governor Arati reaffirmed this position, stating:
“ODM has no written agreement to work with Ruto’s administration. Our role is to keep the government in check, not to join it.”
His sentiments were echoed by Interim ODM Party Leader, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who dismissed any notion of ODM aligning with the ruling party.
He also used the platform to urge unity between Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, emphasizing the need for cohesive leadership in Western Kenya.
On the other side, a faction led by Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe and several governors believes that working with President Ruto’s administration could be beneficial to their constituencies.
They argue that opposition politics alone will not bring development, and strategic cooperation could help ODM leaders deliver tangible results to the people they represent.
The internal divisions escalated further today, with some MPs accusing Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna of fueling discord within the party for personal gain. Calls for his removal have started gaining traction among certain members.
However, Kisumu Governor and Acting ODM Party Leader, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, defended Sifuna, asserting:
“Edwin Sifuna speaks on record for the party. Anyone criticizing his stance is against ODM’s position.”
ODM leader Raila Odinga, who is currently focused on his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, has remained largely silent on the growing rift. His absence has created a leadership vacuum, leading to increased jostling for influence within the party.
Key figures such as Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, and Edwin Sifuna are now seen as potential successors, further fueling internal competition.
As ODM gears up for a series of political engagements in Western Kenya, the party faces a crucial decision whether to reconcile the factions or risk a major split.
Meanwhile, President Ruto continues making inroads into ODM strongholds, a move that could further weaken the party’s dominance if internal wrangles persist.
The coming months will be critical in shaping ODM’s future as leaders navigate this defining moment in the party’s history.
