Party 'auction': Inside ODM wrangles

ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga. [Photo, Standard] Sharp divisions are emerging in ODM amid accusations that some of its leaders are plotting to "auction" the party to President William Ruto to bolster his 2027 re-election bid. On Tuesday, ODM's top leadership - led by party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang'-visited the home of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County. During the visit, Sifuna, alleged that some party members had secretly met Ruto to negotiate ODM's support in exchange for positions in the next government. "As a party, we have not sent anyone to negotiate on our behalf for positions in any government," Sifuna said. "Some people visited Jirongo's home on Sunday and think we do not know they later met President Ruto in Kilgoris. Now they come to us seeking fresh negotiations, claiming they want appointments from Ruto." Sifuna reiterated that ODM remains capable of producing a president, dismissing claims that the party must align with others to stay politically relevant. President William Ruto chats with ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga during the 20th Annivesary celebration in Mombasa. [PCS] "Our late leader Raila Odinga told us clearly that ODM can produce a president and should work towards that goal. Who said ODM cannot produce a president-whether from Nyanza or Western Kenya?" he posed. He called for broad consultations with party leaders and grassroots members before any decision is made regarding cooperation with other political formations. "What made Raila great was his commitment to consultation. He listened to everyone before making decisions," Sifuna said. He added: "I want my party leader, Oburu, to succeed, and that can only happen through consultations." Sifuna cautioned Oburu against individuals he accused of attempting to corner him into unilateral decisions. "My advice is simple: consult widely. Do not allow yourself to be boxed into decisions driven by people who want to use you to advance their own interests. Travel the country and listen to the people," he said. Senator Kajwang' warned that ODM risks being weakened by cartels seeking to reduce it into a regional outfit. "ODM is a national party and must never be reduced to a faction or regional entity; we must resist a few cartels determined to destroy the party. We will protect and strengthen ODM, and we will only follow the direction of Oburu Odinga," Kajwang said. Oburu said he would consult extensively before taking any position on the party's direction. "I will consult our members at every step, and whatever position we take must be respected by all," Oburu said. He added that ODM's immediate focus is the implementation of the 10-point agenda, which will inform any future political realignments. "Our priority is ensuring the full implementation of the 10-point agenda while strengthening the party," Oburu said. "We are not driven by one-term or two-term slogans. Decisions on forming a government with like-minded parties will be made when we cross the 2027 bridge," he added. However, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga has dismissed claims that she is negotiating to surrender the party to outside interests. While defending her calls for dialogue, the Homa Bay Governor said engagement does not amount to capitulation. "ODM will not enter into any arrangement that disadvantages the party," Wanga said at a previous event. "Dialogue is not betrayal. It is about exploring options in the best interests of our people." She argued that shifting political alliances and economic pressures require flexibility. Prim Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and President William Ruto chats with ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga during the 20th Annivesary celebration in Mombasa. [PCS] The internal storm was further evident on Monday when senior ODM leaders rebuked people accused of prematurely declaring support for Ruto's 2027 re-election bid. Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, addressed supporters at Kaimosi in Vihiga County, warning that such declarations amounted to "auctioning" the party without grassroots approval. "ODM is not for sale. We are not leaving the party-we will fight from within to save it," Osotsi declared to cheers. "No one has the authority to decide the future of millions of ODM supporters without consulting them." Osotsi warned that early endorsements of President Ruto risk eroding ODM's bargaining power and confusing its support base, particularly in Western Kenya and Nyanza. Osotsi insisted that any cooperation with other political formations must follow the party's constitution. "ODM is a democratic party with clear structures. Decisions of this magnitude cannot be made through press conferences or roadside declarations," he said. "If there is to be any partnership, it must be debated openly, endorsed by party organs, and approved by members." Orengo framed the debate as a constitutional issue, warning that the broad-based government arrangement lacks legal certainty. "ODM has always stood for accountability, constitutionalism, and people-centred governance. We cannot abandon those principles simply because power looks attractive," Orengo said. Political analyst Moses Ombayo says the debate reflects a broader struggle over whether ODM should remain a confrontational opposition force or gradually align with the government. "The risk is alienating the party's base if decisions appear imposed from the top, while there is also pressure to remain politically relevant in a changing environment," Ombayo said.

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