Governor Nyong’o breaks silence on ODM squabbles ahead of NDC
By Aloys Michael, February 27, 2026Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has broken his silence over the simmering rift within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), calling for unity and mutual respect ahead of the party’s much-anticipated National Delegates Conference (NDC) slated for March 27, 2026.
In a statement on Friday, February 27, 2026, Nyong’o, a founding member of ODM and its pioneer Secretary General, appealed to party leaders and members to close ranks amid rising internal tensions.
“As a founding member of ODM & the Party’s pioneer SG; policies & principles custodian, I urge for unity & mutual respect within the party ranks. The party leadership & members have to remain steadfast in our core values of democracy, inclusivity & social justice for the people,” Nyong’o wrote.
His remarks come at a critical time for the Orange party, which is grappling with internal divisions, parallel political alignments and legal uncertainties surrounding the upcoming NDC.
The conference, expected to shape ODM’s direction ahead of the 2027 General Election, is already facing questions over who has the authority to convene it.
Nyong’o’s statement is widely seen as a response to the widening cracks that have emerged after a section of ODM leaders entered into cooperation arrangements with President William Ruto’s administration.
UDA-ODM jitters
Critics within the party argue that those who joined the government did so in their individual capacities, betraying the party’s opposition stance.
“The people who went to government from ODM went individually, and they have betrayed the spirit of the party -Jimmy Orengo. That is the truth. That’s why @TheODMparty needs thinkers like @orengo_james and @AnyangNyongo to guide the party back to its core values and aspirations,” Osotsi said in a post on X.
Osotsi’s remarks came days after Orengo declared that he would henceforth take political direction on party matters from ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. Speaking during a rally in Kakamega, Orengo signalled loyalty to the party’s secretariat amid speculation of a plan to oust Sifuna.
“Mambo ya chama mimi nitamsikiza tu Edwin Sifuna,” Orengo told supporters. “Na mimi nasema hapa leo Kakamega hili vuguvugu nimeona leo litaenda Kenya yote.”
The dispute has been further complicated by claims surrounding a high-level meeting allegedly held on December 27, 2025, at President Ruto’s Kiligori’s home.
Osotsi recently claimed that the gathering, attended by several NEC members, discussed plans to remove Sifuna as Secretary General.
“There is this meeting that was held on December 27, 2025, at Kiligoris, home of President William Ruto,” Osotsi stated, adding that he and Sifuna were excluded.
According to Osotsi, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed informed him that the President did not want the two leaders present at the meeting.
These accusations have heightened suspicions of external interference in ODM’s internal affairs, further muddying the waters ahead of the NDC.