Safina Deputy Party Leader Willis Otieno has strongly criticised the proposed merger between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), terming it a selfish political arrangement driven by the hunger for power rather than the interests of ordinary Kenyans.

In a statement shared on his social media pages on Sunday, February 21, 2026, the outspoken constitutional lawyer did not mince his words. A

According to him, the ongoing talks between ODM and UDA leaders revolve around who gets what in government instead of how the deal will improve the lives of citizens struggling across the country.

“The ODM-UDA merger is not about the people but about individual positions. That’s why you see them every day talking about what they will get, not what the people will get,” Otieno stated.

He went further to argue that political victory should not be defined by access to state power while Kenyans continue to suffer due to a failing healthcare system and rising economic pressure.

“Victory is about the people, not about positions. Getting power when people are dying in hospitals because of poor healthcare daily is not victory,” he added.

Otieno’s remarks come at a time when debate is intensifying over the possible political realignment between the two major parties.

ODM deputy president demands

This has seen ODM party leader Oburu Odinga come out recently, stating that in their proposed talks, as suggested by the party’s Central Management Committee (CMC), which tasked him to engage in structured talks with the UDA party, ODM will settle for nothing less than the Deputy President position.

This has caused unrest in the UDA camp, with leaders allied to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki coming out to defend him. They stated that just like the presidency, the Deputy President’s seat is non-negotiable, and Kindiki will continue holding it.

The first leader to oppose this was Tharaka Nithi, Governor Muthomi Njuki. He came out to warn the ODM party against their sudden appetite for Kindiki’s slot, saying that they will not allow it. He added that the only compromise they can make is by allowing Kindiki to join ODM so that he can still be chosen as a running mate but not take away his seat.

Mt Kenya’s defending kindiki

Mount Kenya MPs have also come out to voice their stand on ODM’s proposal. Nominated MP Sabina Chege has warned ODM, saying that Kindiki will still be the Deputy President past 2027 and that in 2032, after Ruto finishes his term, he will take over from him.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also added his voice to the ongoing debate over the Deputy President slot by ODM, saying that the region does not care whether the slot is given to ODM or Kindiki, as they are focused on sending the President home in 2027.

Willis Otieno continued to defend his Safina party, which is fronting businessman and politician Jimmy Wanjigi as their presidential candidate in 2027.