Wamalwa: ODM is a house divided
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 29, 2026Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has described the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a divided party and urged leaders dissatisfied with the current political direction to leave and join the opposition alliance seeking to form the next government.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, June 29, 2026, Wamalwa said divisions within ODM had placed many of its leaders in a difficult position, particularly those who had previously worked together under the Azimio coalition and held dear the vision of former ODM leader, the late Raila Odinga.
According to the former CS, some ODM members remain committed to the ideals and values that united opposition parties during the 2022 general election campaign held under the Azimio coalition.
“What we have in ODM is a house divided. They are not really fence-sitters, but a division in their own party has put them in a very awkward position because some believed in Baba’s vision, and we shared values. That is what brought us together as Azimio, and that is why we said no to Ruto as president, and everything has gone wrong,” Wamalwa said.
Wamalwa specifically appealed to leaders who have expressed reservations about ODM’s current political stance, including James Orengo and Edwin Sifuna, urging them to take a decisive stand.
“We are telling those who are still in ODM, we are telling Orengo and Sifuna, if it is not working, do what Baba did,” he said.
Invitation to join Alternative Government Coalition
Wamalwa said leaders who feel uncomfortable with the party’s current direction should stop “fence-sitting” and instead join the united alternative government movement ahead of the 2027 general election.
Wamalwa maintained that the opposition coalition remains open to welcoming leaders from ODM and other political formations who share its vision for governance and accountability.
“The door is open for them. Because they are saying one term, and we are also saying one term as the united opposition. We are saying that within these 10 months remaining, let one term become one team. This is how Ruto will get out of power,” Wamalwa said.
His remarks come amid growing debate within ODM over the party’s relationship with President William Ruto’s administration, with some party leaders expressing differing views on cooperation with the government.
Wamalwa insisted that opposition leaders must remain united and focused on providing checks and balances to the government while laying the groundwork for a strong challenge in 2027.