By Anderson Ojwang
The much-hyped historic Madaraka day celebration in Homa Bay county did not disappoint in all fronts.
If anything, to go by, it opened a can of worm of a possible dissent and displeasure by a section of political divide.
The Kenya’s largest opposition party, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could be facing a test of the moment with emerging dissenting voices in the party.
The Madaraka celebration held in Homa Bay county was a pointer to the trying moments in the party after the deputy party leaders and secretary general gave the function a wide berth.
The seats were reserved for the three deputy party leaders namely, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, his Mombasa Counterpart Abdulswamad Sherif Nassir, Vihiga senator Godfrey Atieno Osotsi, and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna were marked and designated to them but remained conspicuously unoccupied during the event.
Previously, the deputy party leaders and the Secretary general together with other party leaders would jostle to be in functions attended by the party leader Raila Odinga.
But the converse is now rooting its way deep into the party with ODM party leaders and members often skipping Raila’s functions, a pointer to emerging voices and allegiance to different political blocks.
Arati, opted to celebrate Madaraka Day at Gusii stadium some 70 Kms away from Homa Bay town, where the party national chairperson Gladys Wanga hosted Raila and President William Ruto.
Arati wrote on his X space “I am deeply grateful to the people of Kisii for coming out in such large numbers to celebrate the 62nd Madaraka at Gusii stadium. The event was a true reflection of our unity, joy and unwavering resilience.
Together, we continue to build a stronger, more prosperous Kisii for all. Thank you for your spirit and commitment to our shared progress.”
Abdulsamad also celebrated Madaraka day at the coast while Osostsi, also deputy party leader and gubernatorial aspirant for Vihiga county gave the celebration a wide berth.
Sifuna who witnessed the signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between UDA leader, President Ruto and his ODM leader Raila, has maintained opposition to the broad based government.
In one of his tweets in the X Space he wrote “Campaigns for 2027 elections have begun, and Ruto is facing resistance during his tours.
The ODM party hasn’t given up in its quest to lead the country.
We are committed to making Ruto a one term president I will not vote for Willaim Ruto in 2027 election.”
ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale down played the absence of the four top party leaders saying they were committed elsewhere.
“We should not read too much politics on the matter.
It is true the seats remained conspicuously unoccupied; this was so because the protocol team could have anticipated that the four leaders may attend the function.
Arati and Abdulsamad opted to celebrate the event in their counties to share with the electorates and also explain their development agenda.
For Osotsi, the party had sent him to Kilifi to go and resolve emerging dispute in the county.
The meeting was scheduled for Sunday evening.
So, it was important that he was at the place in advance.
For SG, he had function in Nairobi and distributed various items to various groups in Nairobi. That too was part of celebrating Madaraka.” He said.
He said ODM was a democratic party and was founded on the principle of democracy and that is why leaders on personal level express their view on various matter including broad-based government.
Some of the ODM members have been seen to leaning towards impeached Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua opposition team and have been critical of the political union between Ruto and Raila.
Raila at the weekend rejected an overture by Gachagua that they were prepared to make him president in the 2027 presidential elections.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, a critic of the arrangement seems to have toned down his stance and will tomorrow lead leaders from the county in a consultative and development meeting with president Ruti at the Statehouse Nairobi.
Interestingly, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o in a press statement supported the broad-based government saying, “the decision by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga to work together was in the interest of national unity and development.”
Nyong’o called on all Kenya’s to rally behind the broad-based vision for a stronger more inclusive Kenya.
“During the visit in Kisumu, President Ruto commissioned several transformative projects which promise to significantly uplift the lives of our people which includes Makasembo Phase One,LV Marina Affordable Housing Project at Kirembe and Groundbreaking for Makasembo Affordable Housing Project Phase 3” he said.
Nyong’o appreciated President Ruto for the broad portfolio of the development projects his administration has initiated in Kisumu County are progressing with notable ones being, tarmacking of Mamboleo-Miwani Road, Kabonyo Regional Fisheries and Aqua Culture Service and Training Centre of Excellence in Nyando Sub-County and the new Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower at Kisumu International Airport.
“As a County, we stand firmly behind the vision outlined in the recently signed MOU that underpins the broad-based government, and he is always welcomed in Kisumu” he said.
Political Analyst Mr. Mike Agwanda said the decision by top leadership of ODM to skip the Madaraka day celebrations could be tactical and was meant to send a message that all was not well in the party.
“In Kisii land, former Minister Dr Fred Matangi is creating a political buzz and the ODM leadership are feeling challenged.
They are being forced to conform with new political dynamics” he argued.
Agwanda said some leaders also feel discomfort by the kind of development in Nyanza by the national government and may be on go slow.
“You cannot underestimate Raila. Raila knows his political game and those playing hard may find themselves irrelevant” he said.
