Suna East Member of Parliament (MP) Junet Mohamed has dismissed a section of leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party who are expressing interest in vying for the presidency on the party’s ticket.

While speaking in his constituency on Saturday, December 27, 2025, the Minority Leader stated that, according to the ODM constitution, the party leader is the presumed presidential candidate, not any other member.

He went on to state that, for now, Oburu Odinga is the presidential candidate for the ODM party and that it is he who decides whether the party will field a presidential candidate or support President William Ruto for a second term.

“Watu wanasema lazima ODM ikue na presidential candidate. Katiba yetu inasema kwamba party leader ndiye presidential candidate, na party leader ni Oburu Odinga. Ndio atatuambia kama atasimama rais ama hatasimama,” he said.

Junet further warned dissenting voices within the party, stating that only Oburu Odinga can speak on behalf of ODM and that his decision is final and should be followed to the letter.

This comes days after Siaya Governor James Orengo, who has been outspoken in opposing the move by ODM to support the broad-based government, expressed frustration over the party’s failure to field a presidential candidate in 2027.

Orengo stated that he has the capacity to run for the presidency.

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has also declared her presidential ambitions, stating that she has what it takes to vie for the top seat.

She expressed disappointment with ODM’s move not to field a presidential candidate in 2027, saying that if the party lacks a suitable flag bearer, she should be allowed to take up the role.

Rift in ODM

Wrangles within ODM continue to deepen by the day, with battle lines drawn between two factions: one led by Oburu Odinga, which supports backing President William Ruto in 2027, and another led by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, which is opposed to it.

Osotsi recently, while in Bondo during a church service where the Odinga family had retreated to their village church where Raila Odinga traditionally fellowships every Christmas, stated that for ODM to make meaningful progress, only the party leader and the secretary general should be the official spokespersons of the party.

“Respect our own rules. Allow the ODM party leader and SG Sifuna to speak for us; that is the only time we will make progress!” Osotsi said.

Wandayi’s reply

His remarks attracted a rebuttal from Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who dismissed Osotsi’s statements, arguing that according to the ODM constitution, only the party leader is allowed to make key decisions, especially those involving the party’s direction and coalition arrangements.

“Under Article 16, it gives that authority and mandate solely to the party leader. He’s the one who is supposed to lead the party and his members in negotiations towards forming coalitions.”