ODM leaders dismiss claims of party divisions
By Emmanuel Rono, June 28, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have dismissed claims of divisions within the party, maintaining that differing political opinions are a sign of internal democracy and will not weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an ODM Youth Congress in Busia on Sunday, June 28, 2026, the leaders acknowledged that there are signs of political intolerance in some regions but assured members that the party leadership is addressing the concerns to strengthen unity.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati said the party is undertaking internal reforms aimed at strengthening its structures and urged members to embrace the planned changes.
“Tunapanga chama ndiposa tuhakikishe kwamba chama kimesimama. Kutakuwa na mabadiliko kidogo ambayo tutafanya, mambo ya ngazi. Kwa hivyo, tutakapoyaleta, mkubali. Kwa sababu nataka tuhakikishe kwamba chama kimesimama imara. Wewe kama ni mtu wa one-term, tafadhali unakaa kwa mkutano yako,” Arati said.
ODM leadership
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga expressed confidence that the party remains firmly in control of elective positions in its traditional strongholds, saying discussions on the 2027 presidential race would be held at the appropriate time within the party’s broad-based arrangement.
“MCA ni ODM! MP ni ODM! Gavana ni ODM! Women Rep ni ODM! Seneta ni ODM! Rais tutazungumza, tukubaliane ndio ikue hiyo ndani ya broad-based. Sawa, si sawa?” Wanga told party supporters.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed defended ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, saying any support extended to the government must be done through the party.
“Kama tunataka tuishi vizuri hapa Kenya, kama mnataka tutambulike vizuri hapa Kenya, hata kama tunaunga Rais William Ruto mkono, lazima tuunge yeye kupitia chama chetu cha O-D-M!” Junet said.