The infighting and bickering among the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members has taken a critical turn with Kitutu Chache Member of Parliament, Anthony Kibagendi, launching a scathing onslaught on some party members.

In a fiery rejoinder to Gladys Wanga on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the lawmaker accused a section of the party officials of playing sycophants to President William Ruto.

Kibagendi called out the Homa Bay governor for undermining the spirit of unity and mutual respect within the political fraternity by dictating individuals whom the party can associate with.

Wanga’s remarks

“We denounce in the strongest terms the reckless remarks by Governor Gladys Wanga, who has no authority to dictate to us whom we should associate with or not. Such statements are not only unnecessary but also undermine the spirit of unity and mutual respect within our political fraternity,” he said.

 The lawmaker also hit out for making proclamations on behalf of the party, stressing that no acting party reserves the right to make such a pronouncement on behalf of the party.

According to Kibagendi, only Edwin Sifuna is the bona fide official tasked with making a formal proclamation by the party.

“Let it be clear — acting party officials have no mandate to speak on behalf of the Orange Democratic Movement. The only official and recognised party spokesperson is Senator Edwin Sifuna,” he clarified.

His remarks come after Wanga warned politicians against associating with the perceived enemies of the ODM party.

The governor’s remarks reference Rigathi Gachagua, whom she believes Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was representing in his comments mocking the late Raila Odinga.

“The principle is simple: the friend of your enemy is your enemy. Anyone aligning themselves with Gachagua and Kahiga in mocking Raila Odinga can never be counted as our friend,” Wanga asserted, drawing a clear line for political accountability.

She claimed that Kahiga’s statements were not made independently but were coordinated to serve the political interests of Gachagua.

“We are still in very deep mourning for our leader, Raila Odinga, yet we are forced to address these despicable remarks. Kahiga does not speak for himself; he is the spokesperson of Rigathi Gachagua,” Wanga said.