The highly publicised and well-attended ODM rally in Kisumu on Sunday was meant to project a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election, but ended up exposing a simmering row within the outfit.
Some of the top party officials – who have in the past raised their reservations on how the party is run – gave the political jamboree a wide berth, giving credence to talk of growing internal wrangles within the Dr Oburu Oginga-led faction.
ODM vice-chairperson and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, deputy organising secretary and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and East African Legislative Assembly member Winnie Odinga were among senior members absent from the meeting.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo (left), flanked by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, addresses the media at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi on January 5, 2026.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
However, it was the absence of National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed that pointed to a deeper internal power struggle.
Mr Mohammed has in the past been a common figure in most of the party’s political activities. But he has, of late, been skipping events spearheaded by some specific party officials. He was conspicuously absent during the party’s three-day retreat in Mombasa.
The lawmaker was also absent at a fundraiser in his Suna East Constituency on May 15 that was attended by ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
The vocal MP, who was one of the closest allies of former ODM leader Raila Odinga, did not respond to questions on why he did not show up for such a major rally. Sources within the party told the Nation that he may have fallen out with some of the top officials over party affairs.
Management of the party resources is also said to be at the heart of the simmering power struggle. The fallout is said to have first played out during the planning of the Mombasa retreat.
“His people say he is unhappy about ad hoc running of the party; running on impulse with no long-term strategic plans,” said a source in the party.
Asked about her view on how the party is run, Ms Odinga referred the Nation to her recent exclusive interview with the publication where she urged the party to create room for younger leaders such as secretary-general Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Mr Sifuna and Mr Owino are part of the breakaway faction of Linda Mwananchi. They fell out with the Dr Oginga-led camp over the party’s decision to back President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Orange Democratic Movement leaders, led by Oburu Oginga, during a political rally at Kirembe Grounds, Kisumu on May 31, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Mr Amollo and Ms Odhiambo recently described the decision to kick out Mr Sifuna as a major political blunder by ODM. The two leaders have also recounted how they unsuccessfully tried to forestall the fallout by warning Dr Oginga about the decision.
But ODM Deputy Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo downplayed the absence of some of the leaders, saying people should not read much into it. She said she was not aware of any internal wrangles.
“If someone chose not to attend that is up to them. But I can tell from my desk there is no issue. Some of the members actually sent their apologies for not attending,” she said.
ODM founding secretary-general and Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, who for a long time has skipped major party events, attended the Kisumu rally, but appeared to question certain decisions made by the party.
In a Facebook post, Prof Nyong’o said the party has to remain united despite political differences among its leaders, adding that the best way to honour Raila is not by invoking his name in every argument, but by remaining faithful to the values he defended.
At the same time, he said the future of ODM will not be decided only in Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, or Migori, but will be shaped in every corner of Kenya.
“A strong people are not those who speak with one voice on every issue. Strong people are those who remain united even when they disagree. We shall support what advances the interests of wananchi and oppose what undermines them,” he said.
“As a matter of fact, ODM was never created to be permanently in government or permanently in opposition. The party was created to defend the rights, dignity and aspirations of the people.”
Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga acknowledges greetings from party supporters during a political rally at Kirembe Grounds, Kisumu on May 31, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Dr Oginga vowed to ensure that ODM remains united, stable, and focused on its founding aspirations and legacy. He assured party supporters that his leadership is about bringing party members together.
“I am completely ready to step aside for the sake of our unity. The movement is bigger than any one person,” he said.
Ms Wanga also reiterated the need for unity going into the next polls. She said the Kisumu rally was not just a meeting, but a declaration of the party’s sociopolitical direction ahead of the next contest. She said the party has resolved to embrace a strategy of cooperation and partnership.
“This is not a sign of weakness; it is the evolution of our strength. We move forward, stronger together, as one party and one people.”
