Kisii Governor Simba Arati has urged the Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to return to the party, saying its leadership remains stable despite rising internal divisions.

Speaking during the ODM Party Leaders’ Retreat in Mombasa on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Arati dismissed claims that the party is in crisis following the death of Raila Odinga.

“For all to hear, there is no vacuum in ODM,” he said. “The party leadership is firmly in place and fully functional.”

Arati said the party is now under the leadership of Oburu Odinga, supported by deputies and a full team across party structures. He insisted that the current arrangement is legitimate and grounded in the party constitution.

He called on members to respect the leadership, describing it as a duty rather than a choice.

Arati also used religious references to push his message. He cited the biblical story of the Amalekites in Exodus, saying victory came through unity and support. He argued that ODM faces a similar test and must stand together.

“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with Dr Oburu in pursuit of a better and just Kenya,” he said.

His strongest message targeted members linked to breakaway factions such as the “Linda Mwananchi” group. Without naming individuals, Arati urged them to return.

“And home is here. Our brothers, come back home. We are ready. We can receive you,” he said.

He added that unity must come with discipline. Using another biblical analogy, Arati said returning members must recommit to party values to avoid causing confusion.

“Come back home, my brothers and sisters. We build our house, otherwise the ship is taking off,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when ODM is facing visible internal tension. A failed attempt to remove Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has exposed deep divisions within the party.

ODM unity calls intensify

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo recently said he warned Oburu against the move, arguing it would break party rules and worsen the situation. Analysts now say ODM risks entering the 2027 elections weakened if it does not resolve its disputes.

At the same retreat, party chairperson Gladys Wanga delivered a blunt warning to leaders.

Wanga said ODM has entered a transition period and can no longer rely on one figure to make decisions, as it did under Raila.

“This is the first retreat since the loss of our leader,” she said, noting that many in the party had depended on him for direction.

She urged leaders to take collective responsibility under Oburu’s leadership and to open up decision-making to more members.

According to Wanga, the party must avoid the perception that a small group controls everything. She pointed to the party constitution, which places members at the centre of decision-making.

“Our most important objective is how we are going to work together, all of us, to capture power,” she said.

Wanga warned that failure in the next general election would not be blamed on one person.

“If this party does worse, the blame will be on all of us who held positions during this time,” she said.

She also asked leaders to put the party first and focus on rebuilding unity.

Her remarks echo similar calls made earlier by Ruth Odinga, who warned that internal camps could weaken ODM if left unchecked.