ODM party leader Raila Odinga has responded to growing internal tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over a potential alliance with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration. In a statement from the Raila Odinga Secretariat, the party assured supporters that ODM will harmonise the divergent views expressed by its leaders before announcing an official position regarding the contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Raila emphasized that the ongoing conversations are not unique to ODM, noting that internal debates are a sign of a healthy democratic process, much like those witnessed in major political parties around the world. “Mr. Odinga appeals to ODM members and leaders to exercise decorum, civility, restraint and respect for each other as they debate the current state of affairs and the future of the party,” the statement read.
The remarks follow increasing public criticism from within ODM, most notably from Siaya Governor James Orengo. Speaking during the burial of Raila’s long-serving bodyguard on April 12, Orengo openly voiced his opposition to any partnership with Ruto, insisting that ODM must uphold the democratic ideals it fought for. “I cannot be a praise-singer,” Orengo declared. “We fought for a democratic Constitution where people should speak freely.”
Responding to Orengo’s sentiments, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi clarified that while internal democracy allows for differing opinions, Raila remains the party’s guiding authority. “What Orengo is doing is exercising the democracy within ODM,” Osotsi said, while reiterating that the party follows Raila’s lead.
Tensions were further highlighted during the funeral service, where President Ruto and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna engaged in a verbal exchange over governance issues.
As pressure mounts on ODM to clarify its political stance, Raila’s call for unity and restraint comes as a move to quell divisions and maintain party cohesion. The final decision on the ODM-Kenya Kwanza relationship will be determined after internal consultations with party organs, reinforcing the party’s commitment to consensus-building amid a turbulent political climate.
