ODM Leader Raila Odinga
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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is currently facing significant internal strife and external pressures as the party navigates an increasingly complex political landscape.
Recent developments have seen some of its leading officials align with President William Ruto's administration, raising serious concerns among party members about adherence to ODM’s foundational principles of social justice and democracy. In July of the previous year, President Ruto appointed five prominent ODM figures to his Cabinet, a decision that converted previous adversaries into loyal supporters.
The officials included Opiyo Wandayi as the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, John Mbadi as the National Treasury and Economic Planning CS, Hassan Joho as Mining and Blue Economy CS, Wycliffe Oparanya as Cooperatives and MSMEs CS, and Beatrice Askul as the EAC and ASAL CS. This integration of ODM members into government has triggered accusations of betrayal and a departure from the party’s core mission.
The internal discord has been further heightened by recent statements from National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who appeared to endorse the abduction of individuals who criticize the Kenya Kwanza administration. The implications of his comments, along with similar remarks from other party leaders, have deepened the rift within ODM as the party prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Analysts have warned that this growing tension could culminate in a schism, especially if Mr. Odinga secures the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, which could exacerbate existing conflicts. For over ten years, Raila Odinga has been seen as the unifying figure behind ODM, with many politicians leveraging his influence to attain electoral success. However, current acting party leader Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, alongside Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, has vocally criticized the government's authoritarian tendencies.
They have urged ODM members to avoid becoming sycophants and stressed the importance of holding the President accountable for his actions. Prof. Nyong'o, who also serves as Kisumu Governor, has threatened to mobilize popular resistance against President Ruto’s regime if it continues with oppressive measures. He calls on the President to cease police brutality against peaceful demonstrators and to halt the abduction of dissenters.
Nyong'o reiterates that ODM’s participation in a broader government should not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of repressive tactics and reaffirms the party's commitment to its identity as a national democratic and revolutionary entity prepared to resist any dictatorship. Secretary-General Sifuna has criticized the misleading advice given to the President by his advisors, while ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Ososti emphasizes that Nyong'o's condemnation of abductions reflects the official party stance.
Governor Orengo has drawn stark comparisons between the current regime's supporters and those from the Kanu era, issuing a warning that uncritical loyalty may lead to a similar downfall. According to US-based political analyst Prof. David Monda, the current internal power struggle within ODM represents a clash between idealists and pragmatists.