Olekina pledges loyalty as ODM faces internal rift
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 10, 2026Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) amid growing divisions within the party. Taking to X on February 10, 2026, Ledama expressed his commitment to the party’s unity and strength, signalling that he would stand by ODM regardless of internal disagreements.
“ODM will forever remain as the most formidable party in Kenya. I am loyal. If hell has a door I will walk back for you. The people have spoken,” he said.
Olekina’s statement comes after a weekend of heated exchanges that exposed deep rifts within ODM over potential cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Since the death of Raila Odinga, the party has struggled to unite around a clear strategy for the 2027 elections.
Orengo pushes ODM independence
Party leader Oburu Oginga has advocated for pre-election talks with UDA, aiming to secure influence in the next government. However, a rival faction insists ODM must field its own presidential candidate.
The tension escalated during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Busia County on February 8, where Siaya Governor James Orengo rejected any forced political arrangements with the ruling party.
“Nobody will force us to enter into a government we do not agree with,” Orengo told supporters. “ODM must form the next government and must have a presidential candidate. Nobody can dare auction the ODM party. Everything that the party will do will come from the people themselves. This party will not be swallowed by any other party.”
Orengo has aligned himself with leaders such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. The group argues that alliances with the ruling party would strip ODM of its identity and reduce it to a junior partner. They insist the party should continue to contest elections independently, upholding the tradition that Raila Odinga defended for decades.
Vihiga Senator Osotsi also addressed the rally, warning against any pact with UDA.
“Here in Busia, we have come out to protect the ODM party,” he said.
“They tell us to go into marriage with UDA. Do you like to go into marriage with UDA? We say no, UDA no.” He highlighted local frustrations over economic neglect, pointing to the collapse of sugar factories and high youth unemployment.
“We Luhya have suffered a lot,” he added. “Ruto tells us to support him. And he has bought all our sugar companies. Even the gold we discovered in Kakamega, he also wants to take it by force.”
Oburu defends ODM talks
Meanwhile, party leader Oburu Odinga defended pre-election talks with UDA, emphasising that they were intended to secure a fair share of government positions, not to undermine the party. He assured Deputy President Kithure Kindiki that ODM would not target his seat in negotiations and criticised Sifuna for mixing personal opinions with party policy.
These clashes reflect a widening divide within ODM. While Oburu’s faction pursues coalition talks, the Orengo-led camp prioritises independence and grassroots engagement.