A senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) life member, Hon. Rachael Tabitha Machoka, has issued a strongly worded open letter demanding immediate public clarification from party chairperson Gladys Wanga and elections director Junet Mohamed over allegations that the party is being secretly sold through clandestine deals at State House.

In the letter dated 5 December 2025, Machoka notes that recent public claims by political opponents that senior ODM officials have been “selling the party at night” and that deposits have been paid are too grave to ignore.

She warns that the continued silence from the two officials only deepens suspicion and risks eroding the party’s credibility at a delicate moment for ODM.

“Recent allegations publicly raised by our political nemesis, that senior ODM officials have been “selling the party at night” and that deposits have already been paid in these clandestine dealings, are not only gravely disturbing, but strike at the very heart of our party’s integrity and the trust bestowed upon us by millions of loyal members and supporters across the Nation,” read the statement in part.

“While these allegations originate from a political nemesis, they touch on matters too serious to ignore. Silence from those implicated only deepens suspicion and undermines the credibility of the party.”

Constitutional breach claims and demands

Machoka accuses the officials of potentially violating the ODM Constitution, specifically referencing Article 6.2.2(b), which obligates party leaders to uphold transparency, accountability and collective decision-making.

She further cites Article 7.5, which bars any member or official from entering negotiations, agreements or financial dealings on behalf of the party without formal authorization from the National Executive Committee (NEC), National Delegates Convention (NDC) or Parliamentary Group.

In her strongest criticism, she declares: “ODM is not anyone’s personal property, nor is it a private enterprise to be traded in secret,” adding that “ODM is not your personal toilet to walk in and out of at your own comfort after making transactions against the will of members, the Constitution and the spirit of our struggle.”

She argues that any secret engagements would amount to a betrayal of the political and moral philosophy of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, whose legacy she says is grounded in sacrifice, transparency and unshakeable commitment to democracy.

Seven-day ultimatum

Machoka reserves pointed criticism for Chairperson Gladys Wanga, insisting that she must operate strictly within the limits of her office and accusing her of unilateral decision-making. She notes that the leadership has failed to address earlier calls to convene a National Delegates Convention to elect a substantive party leader.

In her ultimatum, she gives both Wanga and Junet Mohamed seven days to publicly declare whether they have participated in any political or financial negotiations involving ODM without NEC approval, whether any deposits or financial commitments have been received, who authorised any such engagements and whether undisclosed talks are ongoing.

She warns that failure to provide a clear and accountable response will compel her to demand their immediate resignation for violating the party constitution, undermining internal democracy and engaging in conduct inconsistent with their roles.

“Should you fail to provide: a clear, written and publicly accountable response within the stipulated one-week deadline, I will have no option but to formally demand: Your immediate resignation from all ODM party offices you currently hold for: Violation of the ODM Constitution, Undermining internal democracy, Betrayal of party ideals and Conduct unbecoming of party officials.”

Machoka concludes that ODM belongs to its members and that those who have held the party through its most difficult seasons “will not tolerate secret dealings or personal aggrandisement,” insisting that “the people demand answers.”