George Natembeya has cautioned leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement against transforming the group into a new political party, warning that such a move could weaken the opposition ahead of future elections.
Speaking during an interview on JKLive on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, the Trans Nzoia governor said the disagreements currently emerging within Orange Democratic Movement should remain an internal party matter. He argued that creating a separate political outfit could split opposition supporters and indirectly strengthen the position of President William Ruto.
Natembeya noted that leaders within the wider opposition coalition are closely observing the developments in ODM but remain hopeful that the issues will be resolved internally. According to him, the situation appears to have created two camps within the party, each holding different views on the party’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He said one group appears supportive of the current broad-based political arrangement, while another faction is openly critical of the partnership. The opposing group includes leaders such as Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino and James Orengo, who have questioned the direction taken by the party leadership.
Natembeya added that the concerns being raised by the faction are similar to objections that were voiced earlier when Raila Odinga began cooperating with the government. However, he warned that if the Linda Mwananchi movement were to break away and form a separate party, it could divide the opposition vote and make it easier for the ruling side to retain power.
The debate comes amid rising tensions in ODM regarding the implementation of a 10-point cooperation agenda between the party and the government. During a recent briefing, Sifuna criticised a progress report presented at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, claiming the commitments outlined in the agreement had not been fulfilled.
