ODM Party Faces Internal Struggles Over Government and Ruto’s Re-election
Internal conflicts continue to plague the ODM party, with different factions holding contrasting opinions on the formation of a broad-based government and President William Ruto’s potential re-election bid. The tensions highlight the deep divisions within the party as it navigates its political strategy in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi recently criticized several ODM lawmakers who have publicly expressed support for Ruto. During an ADC church service in Vihiga on Sunday, November 2, Osotsi specifically called out Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o) and Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo. He emphasized that these MPs do not represent the official stance of the party.
Osotsi clarified that ODM has not formally endorsed Ruto for the 2027 election. He described the MPs’ public declarations as politically motivated but lacking legitimacy. According to him, any decision regarding support for Ruto must come through the party’s central committee. He also urged President Ruto to engage with ODM through its formal structures rather than individual MPs.
“I want to ask the president to be careful with some of these MPs. The party adopted a position last week to support the broad-based government, and that our party has structures. These MPs do not represent the party. MPs like Jalang’o of Lang’ata and Elisha Odhiambo of Gem were expelled from ODM. I would like to ask the president to address ODM through its structures. We have no problem with the broad-based government, but MPs must adhere to the official position,” Osotsi stated.
Osotsi’s position is in line with that of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who maintains that the party is not part of a coalition with Ruto. Sifuna spoke about this issue during a speech in Mombasa on November 1. He condemned ODM leaders who pledged allegiance to Ruto without the party’s approval.
Sifuna reiterated that ODM’s engagement with the UDA party is based on a ten-point agenda outlined in their memorandum of understanding. He also mentioned that the party is actively preparing to field its own presidential candidate.
Key Points from the ODM Leadership
- No Formal Endorsement:ODM has not officially endorsed President Ruto for the 2027 election.
- Disapproval of Individual MPs:Leaders like Osotsi and Sifuna are critical of MPs who express support for Ruto without party approval.
- Focus on Structures:Both Osotsi and Sifuna emphasize the importance of engaging with ODM through its official structures.
- Ten-Point Agenda:ODM’s collaboration with UDA is based on a specific set of principles outlined in a memorandum of understanding.
- Preparation for Independent Candidate:The party is working on fielding its own presidential candidate, indicating a strategic move away from direct alignment with Ruto.
These developments underscore the complexity of ODM’s internal dynamics as it seeks to balance its relationships with other political entities while maintaining its independence. The party’s future direction will likely depend on how these internal disputes are resolved and how it chooses to engage with the broader political landscape.