Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni has raised concern over what he describes as a growing political shift in Luo Nyanza, warning that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could lose its traditional strongholds to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) if current political trends continue.

Speaking on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during an interview with a local TV station, Omogeni said the evolving cooperation and political realignments between parties have inadvertently created space for UDA to expand its influence in regions long considered ODM’s core support base.

Omogeni argued that ODM has strategically miscalculated its political engagement with UDA, warning that the arrangement has benefited its rival more than itself.

He added that the political “marriage” between ODM and UDA has helped normalise the ruling party in Luo Nyanza, allowing it to gain acceptance among aspiring leaders and voters.

“I think ODM was set up. We are now in a situation where we have gone too far. We have fallen into a trap because this marriage has popularised UDA in Luo Nyanza to the extent that candidates are saying we can contest in a ward, a constituency, and a county using UDA as a political party,” Omogeni said.

Political Messaging

The senator also highlighted the role of government operatives in shaping political narratives in the region, arguing that it is natural for state officials aligned to the ruling party to promote its agenda.

He cited senior government figures, including Raymond Omollo, suggesting that political messaging from such offices inevitably benefits the ruling party.

In one of his strongest remarks, Omogeni warned that ODM may have allowed its political rival too deep into its traditional support base.

“You know the streets have sold the narrative that we are here to support two terms of President William Ruto and the party that is in power is UDA. He has his operatives, including PS internal security Raymond Omollo. As a person who works for UDA, you can’t expect Omollo to go to Luo Nyanza and start promoting the ideals of ODM. Naturally, he will push for the popularity of UDA,” he said.

“I think it has come to the realisation of ODM that we have allowed UDA not only to enter our sitting room but also the bedroom. It is just about to take over the house that belonged to ODM, the political turf of Luo Nyanza.”

Omogeni also referenced recent remarks by ODM leadership suggesting plans to expand parliamentary strength, urging caution in light of shifting political realities.

He warned that ODM risks losing more ground than UDA if it fails to reassess its strategy in time.

“If you look at the pronouncement of the ODM party leader Oburu Odinga that ODM intends to double its parliamentary strength by winning more political seats, he should wake up to the reality that this marriage with UDA will actually cost ODM more than it will cost UDA because we are allowing a competitor to take over your core support base to the extent that if you speak to the candidates out there, they don’t fear anymore saying they are going to run on the UDA ticket with prospects of winning. So, who is the loser in all this arrangement? It is ODM as a party,” he warned.

Demand for respect

Omogeni’s remarks come days after the ODM party demanded respect from its UDA counterparts, accusing certain UDA leaders of making remarks that have caused anxiety among its supporters.

ODM called for mutual respect between political actors, warning that continued verbal attacks risk escalating tensions and undermining political cohesion.

In a statement on the official ODM X account on Thursday, April 16, 2026, the party accused select leaders from UDA of causing anxiety and disquiet among ODM members.

“On our relationship with our broad-based partners, the UDA party, the Central Committee noted with concern the goings on and the unwarranted public utterances by some senior officials of the UDA Party aimed at causing anxiety and disquiet among our members,” ODM stated.

While slamming select UDA leaders, the ODM leaders shared the principles, ideology, and foundation of the party.

“As a Party that believes in its principles, ideology, and the foundation on which it was founded, we demand RESPECT from the UDA party,” ODM stated.