Millicent Omanga, a hopeful candidate for the Nairobi Woman Representative seat in 2027, has sharply criticized the Oburu Odinga-led faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), asserting that the party she once admired is now essentially “dead.”
In an interview with a local TV station on Saturday, March 28, 2026, Omanga stated that the party lost its vitality following the passing of its founder, Raila Odinga. “ODM is not the ODM we used to know. It thrived with Baba, but without him, it has lost its essence,” she remarked.
Omanga highlighted the internal strife within ODM, pointing out the two factions: the Oburu-led Linda Ground and the Linda Mwananchi group, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. She criticized the Oburu faction for prioritizing personal ambitions over party principles, accusing its leaders of undermining the foundational values of ODM and labeling it a mere shell.
“There’s a clear divide: ‘Sisi ni Sifuna’ represents a vision I support, while the other faction appears driven by self-interest and power-seeking, making it a hollow entity. In essence, there is no true ODM,” she contended.
Her comments come amid escalating factional conflicts within ODM, intensified by Raila’s death and the rise of rival groups that threaten the party’s unity.
Additionally, her remarks follow the ODM party’s decision to empower Oburu to lead negotiations with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) regarding a potential pre-election coalition, a resolution made during the Special Delegates Convention (SDC) at Jamhuri Grounds on Friday, March 27, 2026.
The party officially confirmed Siaya Senator Oburu as its leader, entrusting him with the party constitution and the necessary authority to guide ODM through a critical political landscape leading up to the 2027 General Election.
Delegates at the convention overwhelmingly supported Oburu’s leadership, granting him the power to define the party’s strategic direction and represent ODM in significant political discussions. This decision signals a pivotal shift in ODM’s political strategy, potentially reshaping alliances as the 2027 elections approach.
