NAIROBI, Kenya – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has addressed growing tensions within the party amid reports of a rift over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which led to the formation of a broad-based government.
In a statement released through his spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, on Friday, Odinga called for restraint and decorum among party members as they discuss the current state of affairs.
The former Prime Minister acknowledged the concerns within ODM regarding its relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration and the interpretations surrounding the MoU.
He assured members that he is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to finding a way forward by harmonizing the views of the party’s relevant organs.
“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 said. “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.”
Odinga’s statement comes amid reports of a brewing fallout with Siaya Governor James Orengo, who has expressed opposition to ODM’s involvement in the broad-based government deal. O
rengo, during a burial ceremony last week, made it clear that he could not “praise-sing” the administration, stressing the importance of speaking the truth for the country’s progress.
His remarks have further deepened the divisions within ODM, with some members supporting the MoU and others rejecting it.
In response to Orengo’s remarks, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi reiterated Odinga’s leadership, asserting that the party’s direction is shaped by Odinga’s vision.
“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 that democracy within ODM,” Osotsi said.
The internal tensions also spilled into the public sphere when ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and President Ruto exchanged sharp words during the funeral of Odinga’s bodyguard George Oduor.
Sifuna criticized the government’s handling of state affairs, prompting a response from President Ruto, who warned Sifuna to tread carefully or face discipline, invoking his position as a founder of ODM.
With tensions running high, Odinga’s appeal for calm and respect within the party reflects his efforts to ensure unity and focus on issues that matter to the nation, even as ODM grapples with its role in the current political landscape.
