Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed has affirmed the unity of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) amid rising internal tensions.

He took to X on Sunday, 25 January 2026, to make the statement.

“The ODM Party is united, decided and on the move. We are strengthening our bases as we consolidate and set our party ready for the coming election. I joined Party Leader Hon. Dr. Oburu Oginga, Deputy Party Leader H.E Simba Arati, Chairperson H.E Gladys Wanga and other leaders for #LindaGround Delegates meeting in Kisii County,” Junet wrote.

They were in Kisii. The event formed part of ODM’s “Operation Linda Ground” initiative, launched on January 14, 2026, at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibra, Nairobi. The campaign tours aim to engage supporters, community leaders, and residents across counties, emphasising party priorities and grassroots consolidation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The outreach began on January 17, 2026, in Malaba, Busia County, and continued to Kakamega on January 18, 2026. Oburu Oginga, acting party leader and Siaya Senator, has addressed crowds at these stops to rally support.

ODM faces growing divisions

The Kisii meeting comes as ODM faces divisions following the death of Raila Odinga in October 2025. Raila did not leave a clear successor, leaving a leadership vacuum. Oburu Oginga assumed the role of acting party leader, but critics question his ability to unify the party.

Two main factions have emerged. The pro-government group, including Oburu, Wanga, Ali Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Opiyo Wandayi, supports the broad-based government (BBG) pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). They view it as strategic for negotiations ahead of 2027.

The opposing camp, led by youth and reformists such as Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and EALA MP Winnie Odinga, resists the pact.

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, at a church in Kawangware, Siaya Governor James Orengo warned that any attempt to remove Edwin Sifuna as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General would destroy the party. He also said that ODM cannot enter into any political coalition before fully implementing the conditions set out by the late Raila Odinga.

Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi also accused the government of using money from increased taxes, from the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the housing levy to destabilise the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

They push for ODM independence, internal reforms, and an early National Delegates Conference to resolve leadership disputes.