NAIROBI, Kenya- The Central Committee of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a strong demand for respect from its broad-based partner, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), amid rising political tensions within the ruling arrangement.
In a statement released on Thursday following a high-level meeting, ODM leaders accused a section of senior UDA officials of making “unwarranted public utterances” that have unsettled party members and strained relations between the two sides.
The committee warned that such remarks risk fuelling internal anxiety and undermining the fragile cooperation that has defined the broad-based government framework.
“As a party that believes in its principles, ideology and foundation, we demand respect from the UDA party,” ODM said in part of its statement.
Growing friction over zoning talks
The latest standoff is rooted in disagreements over proposed electoral zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM leaders have expressed concern that some UDA figures are pushing narratives that could weaken the party’s influence in its traditional strongholds.
At the same time, the ODM Central Committee signalled it will intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts, including nationwide youth conventions, as part of a strategy to consolidate its political base.
Warning over coalition stability
The remarks highlight deepening unease within the ODM ranks despite ongoing cooperation with UDA under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Party officials cautioned that continued public attacks or dismissive rhetoric could erode trust and destabilise the working relationship.
While acknowledging the partnership, ODM insisted that mutual respect remains non-negotiable if the alliance is to hold.
The tensions come at a time when both parties are navigating complex negotiations tied to power-sharing, electoral strategy and implementation of key agreements, including recommendations from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
