NAIROBI, Kenya – Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has said he will not seek re-election on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket in 2027 if the party continues its cooperation with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Tuesday, Amisi criticised the party’s current direction, saying the ongoing working arrangement with the government contradicts ODM’s founding principles and undermines the struggle its supporters have endured over the years.
“I am a member of ODM, elected for five years. Until then, of course if ODM continues collaborating with William Ruto, then I will not seek re-election on that party,” Amisi said. “But if it gets out, and retraces its steps back to its roots, then we can now agree.”
The second-term MP described the situation in ODM as one of confusion, with members and supporters split over whether to embrace the broad-based governance arrangement or return to opposition politics.
“ODM must make a decision now. There’s confusion even among its supporters — some don’t agree with the broad-based agreement, and others say, ‘We have been looking for government and here it is on a silver platter, let’s enjoy it.’ What they are enjoying, I don’t know,” Amisi remarked.
He added that from his perspective, there was “nothing to enjoy” about being part of the Kenya Kwanza administration, claiming the arrangement has diluted the party’s core mission and values.
“Disco Matanga” in ODM
Amisi, a vocal figure within ODM’s youthful wing, further warned that the party risks political irrelevance if internal issues are not addressed urgently.
He likened the current state of ODM to a “Disco Matanga,” a term he used to describe the party as already “dead” and awaiting “burial.”
“As we speak, we are experiencing ‘Disco Matanga’ in ODM. Basically, it is dead — we are now dancing, waiting for the burial day. That’s what is happening. Something must be done urgently,” he said.
Despite his criticisms, the Saboti legislator maintained his respect for ODM leader Raila Odinga, whom he described as a historic figure deserving of recognition regardless of ideological disagreements.
“Some of us respect former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. As much as we don’t agree, you will never hear me abusing him because he has a space in history,” Amisi said. “Some young people don’t understand that. They abuse him on social media. Some of us disagree with him completely, but we tell him to his face. We don’t insult him.”
His remarks come amid a period of political flux within ODM, following the party’s decision earlier this year to engage in a cooperative framework with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition — a move that has sparked internal dissent and fueled speculation over ODM’s future role in national politics.
