The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has demanded respect from the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance, slamming senior officials’ public utterances.

In a statement on the official ODM X account on Thursday, April 16, 2026, the party accused select leaders from UDA of causing anxiety and disquiet among ODM members.

“On our relationship with our broad-based partners, the UDA party, the Central Committee noted with concern the goings on and the unwarranted public utterances by some senior officials of the UDA Party aimed at causing anxiety and disquiet among our members,” ODM stated.

While slamming select UDA leaders, the ODM leaders shared the principles, ideology and the foundation of the party.

“As a Party that believes in its principles, ideology and the foundation on which it was founded, we demand RESPECT from the UDA party,” ODM stated.

At the same time, the party has weighed in on the fuel prices in the country, demanding a cushion for Kenyans from the effects of this crisis.

“Kenyans are concerned about the increase in fuel prices. We know this is a global problem. While noting the government’s efforts to mitigate the situation, we continue to push it to do more to cushion Kenyans from the effects of this crisis,” ODM added.

UDA-ODM pre-coalition talks

The proposed coalition talks have, however, caused wrangles within the ODM party, with some members led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna opposing the party’s move.

Other leaders, such as Siaya Governor James Orengo, also came out to oppose the proposal vehemently, saying that ODM should not enter into coalition talks with UDA, arguing that it will lose its popularity and risk becoming a Luo party.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, on his side, stated that the party could have focused on making itself more popular instead of entering into coalition negotiations.

Other leaders, such as Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, also rejected the talks, saying that there is no need for haste and emphasising that the party should instead concentrate on strengthening its structures so that when they go to the negotiation table, they do so as a strong party.