Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has finally spoken following growing concerns of a split within the party. The tension comes after ODM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), forming what has been described as a broad-based administration.
This move has triggered internal disagreement, with some party members supporting the cooperation while others feel betrayed.
In a statement released through his spokesperson Dennis Onyango, Raila urged party members to remain calm and respectful.
“Mr. Odinga believes the discussions are not unique to ODM and are in line with similar such engagements that have gone on in equally strong parties in established democracies,” the statement read.
He assured members that he is keeping a close eye on how the relationship between ODM and Kenya Kwanza is evolving, as well as how different leaders are interpreting the MoU.
He said that he would decide on a way forward after consulting the party’s leadership organs.
“It is the position of the Party Leader that at the appropriate time, relevant organs of the party will harmonize the diverse views and come up with a harmonized position on the way forward,” the statement continued.
He also appealed to all ODM leaders and members “to exercise decorum, civility, restraint and respect for each other as they debate the current state of affairs and the future of the party.” He reassured supporters that the party remains intact and focused on the country’s important issues.
However, Raila’s message came in the middle of rising public disagreement, especially from Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Speaking during the burial of Raila’s bodyguard George Oduor, Orengo strongly opposed the ongoing cooperation between ODM and Kenya Kwanza. “I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic Constitution where people should speak freely,” Orengo said. He added, “I urge Kenyans to tell their leaders the truth. This country will go to the dogs again if the kind of language we hear continues.”
In response, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi defended Orengo’s remarks, saying, “Raila Odinga is our party leader and what he says is what we follow as a party. We have internal party democracy and what Orengo is doing is exercising the democracy within ODM.”
The conflict spilled over again at the same funeral service where ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and President Ruto exchanged words. Sifuna addressed Ruto directly, saying, “Wale ambao wanahusika na kufanya kazi yako ikuwe ngumu, read them the riot act kwa sababu tunajua kazi yako ni ngumu, wasifanye ikuwe ngumu zaidi.” President Ruto did not hold back in his response. “Nimeskia Sifuna anaongea na nguvu. Wakati unaongea mambo yangu Sifuna, ujue mimi ndio mwanzilishi wa ODM so unaenda polepole kidogo,” he warned.
He went further, saying, “Sisi ndio tulianza hii kitu. Na unajua ukinisukuma sana, nitaitisha mkutano ya founder members wa ODM…tukiitisha hiyo mkutano kukufanyia discipline, sisi ambao tulianza chama. So tuendeni mossmoss.”
These public exchanges have only deepened the perception of a party at a crossroads. As members remain divided over the broad-based government deal, all eyes are now on Raila Odinga to see what decision he will make to either hold the party together or allow for a realignment in the coming days.
