Cracks Emerge in Raila Odinga's Inner Circle as President Ruto Brigade Intensifies Onslaught

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is having a difficult time as his main aides are becoming divided and his adversaries are intensifying their political onslaught in his Nyanza region. 

As Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo was hosting a breakfast meeting with Karachuonyo professionals to prepare for President William Ruto's visit to Homa Bay on Saturday, Mr Odinga's allies were fiercely squabbling over performance. It appears that the ODM camp has disintegrated as members of Odinga's inner circle seem to go for each other's jugular. The disagreement between National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Minority Whip Junet Mohamed, and ODM National Chairman John Mbadi has come to a head after months of tension. 

Mr Wandayi is the Director of Political Affairs, Mr Mohamed is the Director of Elections, and their disagreement has only worsened after several ODM MPs decided to shift allegiance to President Ruto. Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), David Ochieng' (Ugenya), and Prof Tom Ojienda (Kisumu Senator) are ODM MPs that have trooped to President Ruto's camp. On Monday, Wandayi took issue with Mbadi's attitude toward Odinga and the ODM party, citing accusations of damaging the party leadership. 

“At a time when our movement requires unity of purpose, Mbadi is busy creating division by driving an endless narrative in the media, in cahoots with our opponents in Kenya Kwanza, aimed at discrediting the minority leadership in Parliament. His inept and lethargic chairmanship of ODM has created a huge vacuum that's being exploited by our enemies,” the Ugunja MP asserted.

He noted that he could not stay idle while Mbadi continued to belittle him, and accused the former Suba South MP of disrupting the unity of the party and coalition. In response, Mr Mbadi urged Wandayi to recognize the wishes of the majority of ODM and Azimio members who are aggrieved with the leadership styles of Wandayi and Junet Mohamed. He added that communication and discipline within the party and the coalition are needed for the faction to succeed in parliament.