CHEERLEADERS vs CRITICS: ODM’s Internal Divide Over Ruto Gov’t Support
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is navigating a tumultuous political storm as internal disputes widen over whether to support President William Ruto’s administration.
A faction within ODM has strongly challenged President Ruto’s leadership, arguing that the party should focus on capturing the president in 2027.
This faction has rejected presidential selections, accusing government colleagues of sycophancy and lavishing excessive flattery on the president.
In contrast, ODM Cabinet Secretaries and certain Members of Parliament have openly expressed their support for Ruto’s administration, raising concerns about the party’s unity.
Recent utterances by several leaders have revealed the conflicting opinions within ODM.
Junet Mohammed: “Some are saying we should leave. Leave to go where?”
Junet Mohamed: Tusiwe nchi ya kulalamika… mdomo ni yangu na nitaongea vile nataka pic.twitter.com/rqsQcMc5jH
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) December 3, 2024
Junet Mohamed Kills RUTO with Laughter as he agrees that Ruto has never Lost in any Elections!! pic.twitter.com/2G84JIxwKZ
— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) January 2, 2025
Peter Kaluma: “Some are still wondering if these people have truly joined us or not. We are not leaving!”
The Azimio Noisemakers:
— Hon. George Peter Kaluma, CBS. MP. (@gpdkaluma) January 19, 2025
1. The Bitter:
These are mostly MPs who are bitter they have been denied positions of leadership in Parliament, on considerations of fairness to all party members and merit.
2. The Jealous:
In this category, we have those who are jealous that people other…
The alignment of some ODM leaders with President Ruto has elicited conflicting reactions. For example, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi professed fealty to the president:
Opiyo Wandayi: “Mr. President, we are fully with you. While others are making noise, we will stay focused.”
Keep NIS out of political rhetoric, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi says pic.twitter.com/jRhk4VFnD7
— Nation Africa (@NationAfrica) January 18, 2025
CS Opiyo Wandayi urges church leaders to be fair to Ruto regime, says broad-based government is working pic.twitter.com/MNf2d0BmL0
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) November 15, 2024
These statements have shown a schism within ODM on whether to support President Ruto’s administration and what the party’s future goals should be.
ODM supporters have not shied away from attacking people who are warming up to Ruto. They claim that such behavior undermines the party’s integrity and mission.
Simba Arati, ODM Deputy Party Leader: “Individuals who are excited may speak as if on behalf of the party. That is not true. They speak in their personal capacity.”
Babu Owino, MP Embakasi East: “Those advocating for ODM to join the government are misleading the party. They are killing ODM, and that is not what Baba wants.”
“In a house, a father can love one child more than the other. But it is quite unfortunate that this child is not from our house, this is a neighbour’s child.” – MP Babu Owino responds to reports Raila may support Sakaja for Nairobi Governor in 2027 pic.twitter.com/Srrq0lXFno
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 16, 2025
Amidst these internal disagreements, some leaders remain committed to ODM’s goal for 2027.
Simba Arati: “Parties are formed to capture power. Power today is with Kenya Kwanza. Our business is to figure out how to capture that power from them.”
Simba Arati salvo to Raila Odinga and Opiyo Wandayi – on Nyanza being inclusive of Kisii (on sharing the electrification cake)
— Stephen Mutoro (@smutoro) January 19, 2025
✅Could this be the reason Timothy Bosire rejected the NTSA chairman appointment?✅Will the Omugusii Nation go it alone in 2027? Supporting Luo Nyanza… pic.twitter.com/vRrzH1Ak52
Raila Odinga, the ODM leader, has been silent on the brewing tensions, focusing instead on his bid for the African Union Commission chairperson.
Meanwhile, President Ruto has stepped up his engagement with the Nyanza area, cementing his political base ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers think that Ruto may forsake his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and forge new coalitions, including with ODM.
However, senior ODM leaders have discounted the possibility of backing Ruto’s reelection.
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Simba Arati: “We have no card on the table to support Ruto for his re-election. Let him work hard, and let those we have given him work hard as well. Stop the reckless talk and sycophancy.”
Babu Owino: “I am sure Raila doesn’t want us to join the government but to focus on helping Kenyans.”
The disagreements within ODM underline the difficulties of preserving party unity as 2027 approaches.
Only time will tell whether ODM can keep its center intact in the face of growing political divides.
CHEERLEADERS vs CRITICS: ODM’s Internal Divide Over Ruto Gov’t Support
