Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi Luyai has intensified debate within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after criticising the party’s current leadership, saying it does not understand the foundations on which the party was built.

Speaking in an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Amisi singled out ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, accusing him of lacking a proper grasp of the party’s historical formation and political philosophy, especially at a time when internal divisions have become more visible.

Amisi argued that ODM’s strength under former party leader Raila Odinga was anchored on managing divergent views while maintaining unity among members despite ideological differences.

“The people who are remaining do not understand that, and that is why I am saying ODM is completely gone, and what is even worse is the leadership at the top. Oburu seems not to have understood how ODM came about,” he said.

The Linda Mwananchi founder has urged that political differences should be treated as a normal feature of democracy, arguing that strong parties must learn how to manage competing opinions without fragmentation.

He further stated that ODM had drifted away from its founding principles, which were rooted in the struggle for democratic reforms and the push for a new constitutional order.

The MP maintained that differences in opinion should be viewed as a sign of a healthy democracy rather than a threat to party unity.

“Difference in opinion is good for democracy. It is how you navigate that environment of people having different positions on certain issues of governance,” he added.

Amisi: ODM lost grip on democracy

Amisi further argued that ODM has drifted away from the ideals that inspired its formation, particularly the struggle for democratic reforms and the push for a new constitution.

“I think ODM just veered off from the principles that started the party. Most of us were in ODM because of Raila Odinga and his history in the fight for democracy and the fight for a new Constitution,” he said.

According to Amisi, the influence of Raila Odinga in shaping the party remains unmatched, and his reduced role has created a leadership vacuum within the movement.

His remarks come amid ongoing tensions within ODM as leaders continue to differ on key political and governance issues, raising questions over the party’s cohesion and future direction.

The statement from the lawmaker raises further debate, reflecting deeper struggles over succession, identity, and ideological direction following years of dominance by the late ODM party leader and its founder, Raila Odinga, with emerging factions seeking to redefine the movement’s future role in national politics.