Kitutu Chache Member of Parliament (MP) Kibagendi has launched a scathing attack on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration, stating that the coalition has abandoned its founding principles.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Monday, July 27, 2026, Kibagendi argued that the political cooperation between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was established while the Prime Minister was still alive and was intended solely to stabilise the country following the nationwide Gen Z protests of June 25, 2024.

“It’s when the Prime Minister was alive, the late Prime Minister, that this union was born with the President. So it’s not a union that was born after his death. It was born purely to stabilise the country,” Kibagendi said.

‘The partnership was never meant to redefine ODM,” he added.

According to the legislator, the late Raila Odinga agreed to work with the government to help restore calm during a period of heightened political and social tension, rather than to permanently merge the two political camps.

Kibagendi has maintained that the understanding was driven by the need to safeguard national stability during one of Kenya’s most turbulent political moments.

Founding principles

The MP has stated that the original purpose of the arrangement has since been lost, accusing some ODM leaders of abandoning the party’s core values.

“The ideals of ODM, the principles of ODM, have been shelved. These people are living on borrowed values,” he said.

The remarks from the legislator suggest growing dissatisfaction within sections of the party over its continued cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration, with critics from the Linda Mwananchi faction of the Party signalling the formation of a new political outfit ahead of the 2027 general elections.

State House funding

In his criticisms, Kibagendi stated that certain ODM leaders have become overly dependent on State House, saying they receive financial support to organise political activities.

“They line up at State House to pick up money for weekend rallies and weekend empowerment programmes,” Kibagendi said.

Fresh debate over ODM’s political direction
Supporters of the engagement argue it has helped reduce political tensions and create space for national dialogue.

Critics, however, contend that the arrangement has weakened ODM’s role as the country’s leading opposition party and diluted its political identity.

The comments also come amid growing calls from sections of ODM supporters for the party to reaffirm its founding principles and clarify its long-term political direction ahead of the next General Election. The party is now facing a clear rift between the pro-government side and the Linda Mwananchi faction, giving a clear indication of the party splitting ahead of the polls.