By Habil Onyango
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has faced several challenges since the passing of its former party leader, Raila Odinga, which have threatened its stability.
Before his passing, Odinga had established a steady relationship with President William Ruto, leading to the formation of a Broad-Based Government.
As part of their agreement, ODM contributed a number of “experts” to the government to enhance service delivery.
However, two factions have emerged within the party: one supporting the Broad-Based Government and another opposing it.
Recently, the party’s Central Committee held a consultative meeting, allowing interim Chairman Dr. Oburu Oginga to initiate negotiations with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who is against the Broad-Based relationship, did not attend the meeting.
Accusations have surfaced that some individuals within the party are negotiating to sell the party to President Ruto.
Prominent party members, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, have alleged that there are plans to betray the party, asserting they have evidence to support their claims.
In response, the party’s National Chairperson, Gladys Wanga, assured supporters that there are no such plans in place.
Wanga emphasized that they would not betray Odinga’s vision for the party and challenged those making accusations to reveal the “market” where political parties are being hawked.
“Where is the market where a big political party such as ODM can be hawked?” questioned Wanga. She added,
“I believe those who do not want to continue with the Broad-Based arrangements are behind the initiative that suggests anyone associated with it is trying to sell the party.” Said Wanga
Wanga expressed concern that there is a notion the party might dissolve without proper consultation, causing supporters to feel abandoned after Odinga’s passing.
“People fear that the party might dissolve without structured negotiations, leading to claims that the party is being sold,” she said.
She asserted that a party like ODM cannot be easily sold and that they will not join any other faction without conditions.
“Politics is about the interests of various communities. Many have stuck with the party across the country out of loyalty to the interests they believe the late former Prime Minister represented,” Wanga stated during a live interview on a National TV station.
The Chairperson also affirmed that despite their participation in the Broad-Based arrangement, they would remain vocal on issues affecting Kenyans.
“Our party will not be easily taken over by any individual, and we will continue to raise matters that impact Kenyans, including the ten-point agenda that we discussed in our memorandum of understanding with UDA,” she said.
Regarding the compensation for victims of protests and internally displaced persons, Wanga noted that the Central Committee had resolved to continue reviewing the implementation of the ten-point agenda, particularly the unresolved issue of compensating victims of public demonstrations.
She mentioned that, following a court ruling declaring a proposed panel of experts on this matter unlawful, they resolved to channel any compensation funds through legally recognized institutions, specifically the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
