President William Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta have been drawn into the simmering infighting within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a rift that threatens to split the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The warring factions have sensationally accused each other of attempting to “auction” the party — some allegedly to President Ruto and others to Mr Kenyatta — for electoral advantage in 2027.
Pro-broad-based politicians claim there is a plot to take ODM to the united opposition under Mr Kenyatta, while critics insist there are moves to give Dr Ruto control of the party for his re-election.
For a party long defined by Raila Odinga’s leadership, his demise has left ODM at a crossroads. Factions have emerged, each seeking to influence the succession battle.
On one side are Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, and Siaya Governor James Orengo. The other camp comprises most of the top brass, including party leader Oburu Oginga, chairperson Gladys Wanga, deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Nassir and Simba Arati, and director of elections Junet Mohamed.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at Bunge Tower Nairobi on March 17, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Fuelling the internal political fire, Mr Mohamed this week implicated former President Kenyatta, alleging he was backing a faction attempting to divide the party.
Speaking in Suna East, the National Assembly Minority Leader said he was summoned to a 2am meeting at a Kisumu hotel, where a plan to support Mr Kenyatta’s investment of over Sh1 billion in ODM was discussed.
“He told me the former President wants to help ODM and that he is ready to invest over Sh1 billion in the party, and we will win the election as part of the United opposition. Uhuru (Mr Kenyatta) could not make Raila the President (in 2022) when he had the instruments of power, how will he do it now?” the MP posed.
Mr Mohamed challenged the so-called brokers, insisting they would remain in the broad-based government.
“Call us brokers, thieves, but we are not leaving the broad-based government. It is you who will leave ODM. We are tired of being lectured by people who just joined ODM from ANC. Form your own party if you must, but we will not lead our people down a path that does not benefit them,” he added.
President William Ruto shares a light moment with Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga when he visited Siaya County on January 14, 2023.
Photo credit: Tonny Omondi | Nation Media Group
Attempts for a comment from Mr Kenyatta over the allegations proved futile as his spokesperson, Kanze Dena, had not responded to our calls and text messages by the time of publishing this article.
Meanwhile, Deputy Party Leader Nassir, speaking in Likoni, accused rival factions of being “leeches who want to bleed ODM dry from within.”
“Some of the people pretending to love the party have even betrayed Raila and do a lot of damage to the party at night. We know those who want to divide the party; we are on the lookout. We are not leaving the broad-based government and going to the opposition,” he said.
The allegations come just days after Senator Sifuna and Governor Orengo warned of efforts to “auction” ODM to President Ruto.
Mr Sifuna denied any negotiations on behalf of the party, stressing that ODM’s focus remains on ensuring the 10-point agenda agreed between President Ruto and Mr Odinga is implemented.
“Mr Ruto, ODM only wants you to implement the 10-point agenda. Anyone telling you about more positions in government, is a fraud. When you come to Luhya land, let the leaders talk. If in Luo Nyanza you have made a decision about 2027, don’t harass us as Mulembe nation. We have not made a decision yet,” he said.
Mr Sifuna added: “We have not sent anyone to negotiate on behalf of ODM. We have not sent any brokers. Any such a person is a con who wants to scam you.”
Governor Orengo echoed these concerns, accusing some officials of plotting a “sweetheart deal” to sell the party.
“ODM is not for sale. Raila left individuals, not the party, in government. We will not blindly support President Ruto,” he said, adding the need to protect the party’s structure and principles.
Vihiga Senator Osotsi insisted that ODM’s support for Dr Ruto is conditional on the implementation of the 10-point agenda. He accused a committee led by former nominated Senator Agnes Zani of attempting to doctor reports on progress.
“I will not be part of any political fraud to claim the agenda has been implemented when it has not.”
Mr Osotsi also criticised direct engagement by Dr Ruto with individual ODM officials, arguing that bypassing the party organs weakens the structure and creates unnecessary rifts.
The tension has prompted fears of a party split, with some lawmakers considering seeking re-election under alternative parties if ODM backs Dr Ruto’s bid.
Leaders in the party’s strongholds of Gusii and Western Kenya have expressed concerns over diminishing influence, particularly with the rise of new regional parties.
“The impression is that post-Raila, ODM seems not to prioritise other communities. Raila left us broad-based, yet other communities also deserve a say,” said Mr Osotsi, urging leaders to consult widely across all communities represented in ODM.
President Ruto’s shadow in ODM has created discomfort within the party, with some disgruntled officials accusing the UDA party leader of plotting a “silent coup”.
Governor Wanga has maintained that ODM is in broad-based to stay and the party will give its full support to President Ruto. However, ODM has been issuing ambiguous statements over the future of the political relationship.
Last Thursday, the party set out new conditions for backing President Ruto’s re-election, saying any support must be matched by increased representation in government.
Dr Oginga, speaking during the fifth Piny Luo Festival in Migori County, said the party’s electoral strength should translate into a commensurate share of Cabinet slots and senior government appointments.
“When we fight for the election together, we must be part and parcel of each other. We shall form the government together and gain more positions as we grow stronger as a party,” said Dr Oginga.
Last month, the Siaya senator had declared the party would not settle for anything less than the deputy president’s seat in 2027.
