Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya has expressed concerns over how it is increasingly becoming difficult for leaders to popularise the Orange Democratic Movement in the Western Kenya region.

Speaking in Butula Constituency, where he presided over the issuance of Ksh4.04 million Uwezo Fund cheques to 40 beneficiary groups on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the former Kakamega governor said that internal wrangles and disciplinary actions within ODM are hurting the Orange party in the region.

Oparanya warned that the ongoing removal and suspension of leaders associated with the region was creating discontent among grassroots supporters and weakening the party’s influence.

Concerns over treatment of Western leaders

He said many residents in Western Kenya were questioning why leaders perceived to represent the region were being removed from influential party and parliamentary positions.

Among the recent changes targeting leaders from the region is the suspension of Bumula MP Jack Wamboka from chairing the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education in the National Assembly following bribery allegations currently under investigation.

At the same time, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was removed from his role as ODM deputy party leader, while Caleb Amisi was kicked out of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was also targeted and kicked out as the ODM party secretary general, a move that he is still protesting through legal process.

Oparanya suggested that such decisions were fuelling frustration among supporters in the region.

The former ODM deputy party leader admitted that he has struggled to explain the decisions to residents during his recent tours across Western Kenya constituencies.

“Kwa leadership ya ODM, mimi, mnavyojua, nilikuwa Deputy Party Leader, alafu wakati nilienda kwa executive, nikatoka. Sahii, kuna leaders kwa ODM ambao sisi tunasupport, ndio kwa sababu nimesema mimi sai niko kwa ground, si nilisema jana nilikuwa Bumula na leo niko hapa, wiki ijayo naenda Sirisia na hiyo ingine nitaenda kwingine. Na ninasikia watu wakinung’unika, haswa watu wa kutoka kwetu. Wanasema wanaona vijana wetu wanafukuzwa,” Oparanya said.

He added that because he is no longer directly involved in ODM’s top decision-making structures, he cannot fully explain the reasons behind some of the disciplinary actions.

“Na unajua mimi sina jibu kwa sababu siko pale, nijue ni kwanini wanafukuzwa. Ndio kwa sababu nasema wakati huu ni kipindi cha lala salama. Tukifika mwezi wa nane, watu wanaanza kukimbia kutafuta viti zao. Sahii, unatoa mtu kwa committee kuwa huko miezi miwili; itakusaidia na nini? Na hii ndo inaleta mgawanyiko mkubwa,” he added.

Warning against deepening divisions

Oparanya cautioned that continued internal conflicts could create deeper divisions within the party at a time when ODM should be consolidating support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He questioned the political value of removing leaders from committees or party structures with only a short period remaining before the next election cycle intensifies.

“So sahii, tuwache hiyo; tukuje pamoja tuone tulikosea wapi. Alafu tuwe pamoja,” he said.

Fear of weakening ODM in Western

The ODM deputy party leader emeritus warned that the situation risks weakening the party’s traditional support base in Western Kenya, especially if leaders associated with the region feel sidelined.

He specifically referenced concerns surrounding Sifuna, saying anti-Sifuna sentiments within the party were making it harder for ODM leaders to mobilise support on the ground.

According to Oparanya, decisions made by leaders in Nairobi may not fully reflect the mood among grassroots supporters in Western Kenya.

“Hao ambao wanaamua pengine hawatoki huku, mimi ndio natoka huku. Mimi ndio najua yale ambayo yanasemwa hapa. Hawa wenye wanatoka sehemu zingine wakiamua, wanaamua wakiwa huko Nairobi, na hawajui hapa. Sasa sahii mimi niko hapa na najua yale watu wanasema. Na unajua hawa wenye wanafukuzwa pia kwa waluhya, ni wenzetu. Sasa sisi kazi inakuwa ngumu. Sasa ODM inaeza kuwa aje imara Western kama tuko na hiyo shida?” he posed.

ODM-UDA deal

Oparanya also indicated that ODM must first resolve its internal issues before engaging in broader political discussions concerning possible cooperation arrangements with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of 2027.

He stressed that party unity would be critical if ODM hopes to remain competitive and influential in the region.

“Kama tunataka kuzungumza na UDA mambo ya 2027, tuzungumze tukiwa pamoja. Hilo ndio lengo langu,” he said.

The remarks come amid rising tensions within ODM over leadership changes, disciplinary actions, and emerging political alignments as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.

The ongoing disputes could significantly shape ODM’s support dynamics in key regions, particularly Western Kenya, where the party has traditionally enjoyed strong backing.