NAIROBI, Kenya – Senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislators have raised alarm over what they describe as a dangerous rise in political intolerance and violence, citing an alleged attack and threat against Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as a worrying sign of what lies ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a joint statement issued on January 5, a group of ODM Members of Parliament said they were deeply concerned by reports that Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai allegedly attacked and threatened to shoot Owino following disagreements over political positions.
The lawmakers said the incident reflects an escalating national rhetoric that is increasingly spilling into physical confrontations.
“The emerging and escalating national rhetoric is degenerating into violence and intolerance,” the MPs said, warning that failure to act decisively could plunge the country into widespread unrest during the next general election.
They linked the alleged threat against Owino to a series of recent violent incidents, including the physical attack on Lamu Woman Representative Muthoni Marubu in Murang’a and deadly clashes witnessed during recent by-elections in Kasipul Constituency, where two people were killed.
The legislators warned that such incidents point to a dangerous trajectory that could undermine free and fair elections if left unchecked.
ODM infighting under spotlight
Beyond the security concerns, the MPs expressed unease over growing internal divisions within ODM, describing the situation as “self-cannibalisation” that has weakened the party following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga, about two months ago.
They said the absence of Odinga’s unifying leadership has allowed divisive rhetoric to flourish, even among senior party officials.
In an unusually direct appeal, the MPs urged ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to refrain from public verbal exchanges and instead resolve differences through internal party mechanisms.
They also called for an urgent internal dialogue — described as a “spitting session” — to halt the ongoing mudslinging and restore cohesion.
Fear of losing political ground
The MPs warned that continued infighting and intolerance could cost ODM its dominant political position, noting that smaller parties are already moving to occupy spaces traditionally held by the party.
They urged ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Odinga to urgently convene party organs to restore discipline, unity and public confidence.
“The current intolerance does not augur well for a revolutionary movement founded on the ideals of democracy, free speech and justice,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Nyatike MP Tom Odege, nominated MP Catherine Muma, Turkana South MP John Ariko, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor.
