Wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over its cooperation deal with President William Ruto’s administration continue to intensify, with leaders backing the agreement now urging dissenters to leave the party.
Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has told ODM members opposed to the broad-based government arrangement to resign rather than, as he put it, “destabilising the party from within.” He said the party’s position is already clear and should not be questioned.
“Baba left us in a broad-based government. That is where we are, and that is what we are implementing. Anyone opposed to it is free to leave,” Odhiambo said.
The second-term legislator stressed that ODM is governed by established structures and that all members, including elected leaders, are bound by decisions made by the party’s organs, even when they personally disagree.
“ODM is a party of rules. Once organs make decisions, everyone must respect and implement them,” he said.
Odhiambo accused critics of the agreement of deliberately weakening party unity, warning that continued internal rebellion could hurt ODM’s chances in the 2027 General Election.
“Anyone opposing the resolutions of party organs is a rebel determined to break the party,” he added.
He further revealed that the ODM Central Management Committee had formally resolved to support the broad-based government, saying the matter should now be treated as settled. According to him, continued public criticism only confuses supporters and strengthens political rivals.
ODM has been deeply divided since it entered into a cooperation framework with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a move that marked a major shift for a party long known as the country’s main opposition force.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has defended the arrangement, arguing that working with the government allows ODM to influence policy and push reforms from within. However, a rival faction led by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has criticised the deal, saying it weakens the party’s opposition role and risks alienating supporters.
The growing standoff has exposed serious internal divisions, raising concerns about ODM’s unity and strength ahead of the 2027 elections. Leaders supporting the deal insist the party must remain united, warning that discipline and cohesion are key to maintaining ODM’s political relevance.
