A fresh demand by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to have the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) blocked from fielding candidates in its traditional bastions in 2027 is threatening a major political conflict within the broad-based government.
Insiders believe that it is only by retaining its traditional bastions that ODM would have a substantive stake in the next government.
President William Ruto is pictured with Dr Oburu Oginga at the 5th Piny Luo Festival on Senye Beach in Nyatike, Migori County.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation
Its influence is, however, threatened by the emergence of new regional political parties, especially in Gusii and Western Kenya. United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) are perceived to be gaining traction in Gusii and Western, respectively.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
Ms Wanga, while speaking at the weekend in Awasi in Kisumu County, said the deal between ODM and UDA was against any political encroachment.
“We are in a broad-based government as ODM, and amongst our agreements is that there is no encroachment,” said Governor Wanga.
Riddled with infighting and the emergence of political camps, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ODM is apprehensive of political forays by UDA in its regions like Nyanza, Western and Coast. Dr Ruto’s allies in the said regions are also seeking to exploit the partnership to gain a footing in the regions.
Other fringe parties like the Movement for Growth and Democracy (MDG) of Ugenya MP David Ochieng’ are also making inroads in the regions, with a plan to benefit from ODM nomination fallout.
Former Nairobi City County Governor Evans Kidero.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, a UDA member, told Daily Nation that they would fight any attempt to zone Nyanza. Dr Kidero said the people should have options in electing the right leaders.
UDA Chairman for Homa Bay, Kennedy Obuya, said the party would field candidates in all elective positions in Luo Nyanza to allow people have options in picking their leaders.
Top party officials were seen to favour Boyd Were – son to the slain area MP Charles Were – even before the party held its nominations.
It is on this basis of possible bungling of primaries that some leaders want ODM bastions opened up for other political parties. Some ODM members also feel that they could be unfairly targeted for being rebels.
On Sunday, while addressing mourners at the late Cyrus Jiringo’s Lugari home, Ms Wanga and ODM co-deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi assured party supporters that the party will remain united going into 2027.
“There are many people who think ODM will disintegrate because Raila is not with us. I can tell you that the party will continue being strong.”
“We remain in broad based so that our people can get development. But we will have to talk with our partners so that we know what is there for us after the 2027 elections. Once we agree, we will walk together as a team,” said Ms Wanga.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Mr Osotsi said Western is solidly in ODM as the country prepares for the next election. He, however, cautioned other ODM leaders from making an impression that ODM is a Luo Nyanza party.
“I have heard some people say that Luhyas should leave ODM. We will remain in ODM because this is a party that we have invested in ODM for years.”
“As a community, we have to be consulted in every decision to be made by the party. Interests of our community in the party have to be protected. All leaders must not make ODM to look like a Luo party,” said Mr Osotsi.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, who has declared interest in running for Migori governor on the ODM ticket that has sponsored him to Parliament for two terms, called on the party leadership to ensure free and fair party primaries.
Mr Nyamita said the party will only retain its position of influence if the people are allowed to elect their leaders.
The lawmaker is among a host of politicians from the region who are in support of the broad-based government and are rallying for President Ruto’s re-election through the deal between ODM and UDA.
ODM is facing a major unity test following the death of its founding party leader, Mr Odinga. The former premier was a unifying figure in the 20-year-old political party. His death on October 15 has since exposed the party’s soft political underbelly, with some of the party’s elected leaders seeking to quit.
In a recent interview with Daily Nation , Suba South MP Caroli Omondi said he would not defend his seat on ODM because of the party’s history of bungled nominations.
“Do you think even in the recent by-elections (Kasipul) there were credible nominations? People must have choices. Where people will unite is at the presidential vote. But these other positions, people should come in different political parties,” said Mr Omondi.
