NAIROBI, Kenya – Kisumu Governor and interim Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Anyang’ Nyong’o has refuted reports of internal divisions within the party following the inclusion of four former ODM members in President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
In a statement released Friday, Nyong’o reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to its founding principles, dismissing claims that the party has compromised its independence.
He emphasized that ODM remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s political landscape, dedicated to democratic values and public service.
“ODM was founded as an independent, revolutionary, and people-centered movement,” said Nyong’o. “Our mission has always been to serve the Kenyan people by championing justice, equity, and sustainable development. Let there be no misunderstanding: ODM does not play second fiddle or trumpet the interests of any other political party.”
Nyong’o’s remarks come amidst mounting speculation about discord within the party after former senior ODM figures, now Cabinet Secretaries under the Kenya Kwanza administration, publicly backed the President’s policies.
Nyong’o underscored that ODM remains steadfast in its role as the official opposition party, even as some members pursue partnerships and coalitions.
However, he stressed that such collaborations are strategic and rooted in the party’s vision to transform Kenya.
“These partnerships are not acts of subservience but deliberate efforts to strengthen our resolve in achieving our primary goal: capturing political power to transform the lives of Kenyans,” he noted.
The governor’s statement follows ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s assertion earlier this week that the party’s position as the opposition is unchanged.
Sifuna criticized the actions of former ODM stalwarts now serving in Ruto’s government, insisting they no longer represent the party’s views.
“When our former party officials joined the government, they became Kenya Kwanza ministers. We should not be associated with their chest-thumping and support for the government,” Sifuna told Radio Citizen. “ODM remains the official opposition, and I am the party’s official spokesperson.”
Reports of division have been fueled by public appearances of former ODM heavyweights, including Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), alongside National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, praising President Ruto and advocating Kenya Kwanza policies.
Mbadi, a former ODM chairman, recently defended Ruto’s approach to tax reforms, appealing for public support.
“It is not something to condemn the President about. It is something to look for solutions,” he said last week.
Nyong’o, however, dismissed such incidents as misinterpretations of ODM’s steadfast opposition stance.
He urged Kenyans to judge the party by its collective actions and principles rather than the isolated behavior of individuals.
“ODM remains a formidable force in shaping Kenya’s political future, firmly rooted in its principles and ideology,” he stated.
In a statement released Friday, Nyong’o reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to its founding principles, dismissing claims that the party has compromised its independence.
He emphasized that ODM remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s political landscape, dedicated to democratic values and public service.
“ODM was founded as an independent, revolutionary, and people-centered movement,” said Nyong’o. “Our mission has always been to serve the Kenyan people by championing justice, equity, and sustainable development. Let there be no misunderstanding: ODM does not play second fiddle or trumpet the interests of any other political party.”
Nyong’o’s remarks come amidst mounting speculation about discord within the party after former senior ODM figures, now Cabinet Secretaries under the Kenya Kwanza administration, publicly backed the President’s policies.
Nyong’o underscored that ODM remains steadfast in its role as the official opposition party, even as some members pursue partnerships and coalitions.
However, he stressed that such collaborations are strategic and rooted in the party’s vision to transform Kenya.
“These partnerships are not acts of subservience but deliberate efforts to strengthen our resolve in achieving our primary goal: capturing political power to transform the lives of Kenyans,” he noted.
The governor’s statement follows ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s assertion earlier this week that the party’s position as the opposition is unchanged.
Sifuna criticized the actions of former ODM stalwarts now serving in Ruto’s government, insisting they no longer represent the party’s views.
“When our former party officials joined the government, they became Kenya Kwanza ministers. We should not be associated with their chest-thumping and support for the government,” Sifuna told Radio Citizen. “ODM remains the official opposition, and I am the party’s official spokesperson.”
Reports of division have been fueled by public appearances of former ODM heavyweights, including Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), alongside National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, praising President Ruto and advocating Kenya Kwanza policies.
Mbadi, a former ODM chairman, recently defended Ruto’s approach to tax reforms, appealing for public support.
“It is not something to condemn the President about. It is something to look for solutions,” he said last week.
Nyong’o, however, dismissed such incidents as misinterpretations of ODM’s steadfast opposition stance.
He urged Kenyans to judge the party by its collective actions and principles rather than the isolated behavior of individuals.
“ODM remains a formidable force in shaping Kenya’s political future, firmly rooted in its principles and ideology,” he stated.
