Nominated MP Sabina Chege has weighed in on the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) heading into the 2027 polls following the demise of its influential party leader, Raila Odinga.

In an interview with a local TV station, Chege backed the party to weather the storm and last to the next general polls despite experiencing defections here and there.

Defections

“The ODM party will be there in 2027. Some people might decide to leave the party, but it will be there,” she stated.

Chege has, however, predicted more defections from the party amid ongoing infighting that predated Raila Odinga’s passing.

He stated that the party hardliners against the broad-based government, such as those allied to the newly formed Kenya Moja alliance, could lead in defections.

“The Kenya Moja is a coalition of different political parties. The likes of Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Ndindi (Nyoro) could move out and come up with different parties, but the party will remain,” she added.

Gakuya on ODM’s future

Her sentiments come after Embakasi North MP Gakuya also commented on the recent party changes in ODM, where Oburu Odinga was handed the leadership on an interim basis. According to the lawmaker, the move was a strategic behind-the-scenes move meant to cement the political pact between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga.

“The appointment of Oburu is to cement the broad-based deal between President Ruto and the late Raila Odinga. Today, as we speak, the Odinga family is totally at the side of Ruto, and that is not going to change,” he stated.

“President Ruto has hinged his re-election hopes on ODM. He appears more concerned about ODM’s unity than the internal divisions within UDA.”

Gakuya further dismissed claims of an existing agreement between Raila and Ruto before the former’s death, saying that internal party efforts are now focused on taming dissent and keeping ODM intact.

“There are those who distance themselves (from the deal), and to keep them in the party, since we are heading into an election in 2027, what will happen is either the spirit of the party splits and people depart, or the state of the party is closed and people stay loyal,” the legislator argued.