ODM split widens over cooperation with Ruto

By Newsflash Reporter

Sharp disagreements over whether the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should work with President William Ruto overshadowed the start of the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa on Friday, November 14.

Remarks by Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, and Winnie Odinga—daughter of party founder Raila Odinga—laid bare the widening divide within the movement.

Speaking during the ODM Youth Convention at Swahili Pot, Mr Orengo warned that the party is drifting into a dangerous state of complacency. He said growing talk of “accommodation” within the broad-based government undermines ODM’s historic mandate as the country’s main opposition force.

“We keep hearing about broad-based arrangements. ODM will not sit still. Some leaders have relaxed and now promote accommodation. They forget that the leading opposition voices in both Houses of Parliament are in ODM,” he said.

‘Ruto needs ODM more’

He insisted that President Ruto needs ODM more than ODM needs him, dismissing calls for the movement to step back from the 2027 presidential contest. According to Mr Orengo, liberation movements die when their young members lose ideological clarity.

“At 30, I moved an impeachment motion against President Moi. If young people fall asleep, Kenya will collapse,” he said.

Winnie Odinga dismissed what she termed “manufactured talk” of internal rifts. “ODM was born in resistance. For 20 years, people have bled, sweated and cried for this party. We will never apologise for being inconvenient,” she said. She accused unnamed leaders of duplicity, claiming some walk with the party publicly while undermining it privately.

“Some people stand with us during the day but whisper against the party at night. ODM cannot be swallowed,” she added.

Mr Sifuna reminded the gathering of ODM’s long struggle against state repression and vowed to protect its independence. “Don’t be deceived that no one in ODM is worthy of running for president. We will not plead for what belongs to us,” he said. He added that the party cannot claim unity while young activists remain detained.

Calls for cooperation clash with push to defend party identity

Former ODM deputy party leader and current Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho came out strongly in favour of engagement with the government. Mr Joho argued that President Ruto’s participation in the anniversary events should not unsettle supporters.

“The truth is that President Ruto was among ODM’s founding members,” he said. He recalled that during the 2005 referendum, Dr Ruto, Henry Kosgey, Frankline Bett and Najib Balala campaigned alongside Odinga on the “No” side, represented by an orange symbol.

Attention heightened after Oburu Oginga confirmed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka had been invited to today’s Founders’ Dinner at Whitesands Resort. Mr Orengo, however, stood firm that Ruto “needs ODM more than the party needs the President.”

Mr Joho countered that acknowledging ODM’s founding figures does not weaken the party, even as it engages the government. He said the President’s presence should not be perceived as a threat.

Freshly confirmed by the ODM National Governing Council as party leader, Oburu Oginga sought to calm fears, assuring members that ODM’s identity will not be eroded. He said the party must remain strong enough to negotiate alliances from a position of influence.

“No one wants to engage with you when you are weak,” he said. “We cannot be cowards who let the party dissolve. We must strengthen ODM to stay relevant in 2027.” He encouraged grassroots mobilisation and reminded members that registration is free.

His remarks followed growing fears that ODM’s cooperation with the government could mirror the absorption of the Amani National Congress. Anxiety increased when Dr Oginga revealed that President Ruto would attend the Founders’ Dinner. He added that Uhuru Kenyatta and Kalonzo Musyoka had also been invited.

In its leadership appointments, the NGC confirmed Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as ODM chairperson, with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati endorsed as deputy party leaders. Governor Nassir later stressed that collaborating with the government should not be construed as capitulation.