Senator Oketch dismisses claims of ODM imminent collapse
By Luke Oluoch, January 22, 2026Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has dismissed assertions that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is headed for the cliff, owing to the internal wrangles and divisions among its members.
Speaking to a local TV station on Thursday, January 22, 2026, Oketch chose to read positives from the situation, describing the divisions as a healthy occurrence for a political outfit.
Healthy democracy in play
He noted that it is a sign of strength for members such as Winnie Odinga and other perceived rebels to air their issues openly while maintaining allegiance to the party.
“The issue in ODM is a caucus-forming situation. What is happening is classic politics, where a strong leader has departed and leaves behind strong leaders with opinions in his wake, as is happening in England with the Labour Party and also as seen in the US during the run-up to the nomination of Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate,” he stated.
Oketch also expressed dismay at why many have focused only on Winnie Odinga when factionalism has been witnessed in Kakamega meetings.
“We also had two different factions in Kakamega. It is good in the sense that these are voices with concerns. These are voices of concern that cannot be wished away. I similarly raised mine about Sifuna in the recent past. It is good that we have a party where people can raise their voices while still within the party.”
“Winnie explained her issues, aired her opinion, and was very clear on the agenda of the meeting. So it is all healthy and good,” he added.
His remarks follow similar assertions from Kisumu Women representative Ruth Odinga, who addressed the simmering division within the party, now perceived to be a family feud pitting the party leader and the late Odinga’s children.
Entitled to her opinion
“We are all straightforward people. Winnie brought up her point as a person who walked alongside her father. She spoke her mind on an issue she feels was not right based on how she knows her father’s approach to issues and conflicts. She is entitled to her opinion,” she opined.
On the ideological opinions within the party occasioned by a rebellious youth wing of a section of MPs, Ruth dismissed the assertion of a bitter breakup.
She implored that the party revert to how the late leader, Raila Odinga—who believed in the power of the youth—used to handle such groups.
“The party must have its young people who have their own viewpoints and points of view. We must bring them on board. The youths see a person they identify with as their leader, and to me, that is a passion for the party and how we will have continuity and a future. So let us just call them all and decide on the direction of their agitations,” her advice parted.