Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has publicly criticised ODM party leader Oburu Odinga over his approach to coalition talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Taking to his social media accounts on February 3, 2026, Oketch argued that Odinga risked weakening the party’s position by telling Deputy President Kithure Kindiki that ODM had no interest in his seat. The dispute highlights growing divisions within ODM as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

Odinga made the remarks during an event in Kisumu on February 2.

“Usifikirie ya kwamba tunataka kiti yako, please you are our friend” Oburu said speaking directly to Kindiki.

Odinga stressed that ODM only sought a rightful share of government positions through coalition talks, not to displace Kindiki.

“”We are going to talk to UDA to make sure that we get more than what we have now. You can see already we got this good ministry which is being led by Oparanya. We also got the Ministry of Energy. We also got the Ministry of Finance, which is the heart of government. We are going to negotiate what our people deserve.”

“We are going to negotiate what our party deserves. Our party is not a Luo party. It is a party for the whole of Kenya. And therefore we are going to negotiate fairly.”

A day later, Oketch fired back.

“Party leader, miwachono to wadagi! You cannot negotiate a whole party out of power… Otieno Kajwang said that, ‘Consultation must lead to concurrence.’ Consult the members of the party.”

ODM factions clash over talks

This row unfolds against deepening splits in ODM over UDA negotiations. The party has fractured into two clear factions. One side, pushing for coalition talks and a pre-2027 alliance, is led by Oburu Odinga, national chairperson Gladys Wanga, and figures like Junet Mohamed.

The opposing camp, which resists any deal that could dilute ODM’s independence or turn it into a junior partner, includes Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Winnie Odinga.

Senator Eddy Oketch sharp rebuke of Oburu echoes calls from this group for genuine party-wide consultation, tougher bargaining, and no premature concessions.

In January 2026, ODM’s Central Committee met in Kilifi and authorised Oburu to lead talks with UDA. This came after Raila Odinga’s death, with Oburu stepping in as acting party leader, a role Winnie Odinga says still needs full ratification at a National Delegates Convention.

Osotsi has reinforced this by calling all current top positions “interim,” stressing the leadership vacuum since Raila’s exit and demanding national elections to fill roles properly rather than rushed appointments.

ODM seeks cabinet spots and real influence in President William Ruto’s government, building on post-2022 ties. Yet the factions expose cracks, highlighted by defections like Eliud Owalo, a Nyanza native from ODM’s traditional stronghold.

Ruto backed the talks at UDA’s National Governing Council meeting at State House. He claimed a UDA-ODM union would deliver a “2 to 3 million margin” victory in 2027. The pro-coalition side faces pushback even internally.

Wanga, aligned with Oburu’s group, demanded a hard 50/50 split in any deal. She stressed ODM sought no token role but equal stakes, and added that the party would contest and sweep all Nairobi seats in 2027—from MCAs and MPs to senator and governor—while backing a broad-based government candidate (Ruto) for president.

This aggressive line contrasts Oburu’s softer assurances to Kindiki, fuelling debate. Critics like Oketch argue such mixed signals weaken leverage.