BUSIA, Kenya – Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has offered to initiate dialogue with absent Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in a bid to reunite the party amid defections and growing internal divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the Busia ODM Delegates’ Consultative Meeting hosted by Governor Paul Otuoma on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Oparanya expressed disappointment over the absence of several Members of Parliament and senior party officials.
The former Kakamega governor said the party could not afford to ignore divisions among its elected leaders as political realignments gather pace.
“Nimeona wabunge wengi hawako hapa. I don’t take it for granted. Mimi nikiwa kiongozi kutoka hapa Western nataka kila mtu akuwe hapa na mnipe ruhusa niongee na hao viongozi wengine. Mmenipa ruhusa niongee na hao viongozi wakuje hapa?” Oparanya said.
He asked delegates to allow him to reach out to the absent leaders and persuade them to resume participating in the party’s activities.
“Kwa sababu hatuwezi kuwa hapa na delegates na secretary general hayuko hapa. Hatuwezi kuwa na delegates na wabunge wote wako kwa ODM na hawako. Hiyo ni kitu ya muhimu sana na mimi nitachukua hilo jukumu kuona kwamba tumeongea nijaribu kuleta hawa watu pamoja,” he added.
Oparanya’s intervention comes as ODM grapples with disagreements over its leadership, political direction and potential alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.
Linda Mwananchi Faction Deepens ODM Divisions
The party’s internal tensions have been highlighted by the emergence of the Linda Mwananchi faction associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has distanced himself from the ODM party leadership.
The grouping has attracted leaders including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo, among other politicians critical of ODM’s current political direction.
The faction has presented itself as a platform for leaders seeking to defend what they describe as the party’s founding principles and grassroots interests.
Its emergence has, however, underscored competing positions over ODM’s leadership, political strategy and future alliances.
