The once strong opposition political party, ODM is experiencing political shake-up as more leaders are slowly and silently walking away from the party.
This has been triggered by the “broad-based” government where ODM hugely benefited from the reorganisation of Kenya Kwanza government.
At least four Cabinet Secretary positions went to ODM with some youthful ODM leaders including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and the Party’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna dissenting the move.
Owino, and his colleague Edwin Sifuna, both being advocates of the high court have been seen fearlessly opposing the Ruto -Raila political union, stating that Kenya Kwanza government had failed in indiscriminately and diligently serving Kenyans.
“We had very different manifesto as a political party away from the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto. It is impossible for us to sing our opponent’s song, discarding our very own,” said Sifuna at a past event.
The ODM Secretary General who has been a close ally of ODM Leader Raila Odinga has however enjoyed Raila’s protection and privileges.
Meanwhile, Embakasi East Legislature, Babu Owino stated that he is not ready to join Kenya Kwanza government.
“What I stand for is totally the opposite of what President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza government stands for. I love ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, however, on his political union with Ruto it’s a big no for me,” reiterated Dr Owino.
He further revealed that his focus is to see the constitution being fully implemented and respected while there is respect for humanity in the country.
“It is the same government that has been branded as a “killer” and corrupt government where laws apply to the lower cadre while those in government are enjoying Kenyans taxes with impunity. I am not intending to back Kenya Kwanza government,” said Owino.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Owino was at the Jesus Teaching Ministry (JTM) in Donholm, Embakasi East, for a church service. He was accompanied by other leaders among them ODM SG Edwin Sifuna, Members of Parliament; Gathoni wa Muchomba (Githunguri Constituency), Caleb Amis (Saboti Constituency), Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu) and Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti Constituency).
As Kenya’s political scene hots-up at least seven ODM leaders opposed to the “broad-based” government are planning a meeting further fueling speculation about their next political move.
For months, ODM has witnessed visible cracks with MPs among them Caleb Amisi and Nabii Nabwera openly criticising the party’s political pact with President Ruto’s broad-based government, warning of a possible split.
The ODM Central Committee, however, recently reaffirmed support for the MoU with UDA and even formed a 10-member committee to work with government on key agendas.
The planned meeting by dissenting leaders has raised critical issues within the once strongest opposition party countrywide.
Will the dissent effect changes in ODM- Kenya Kwanza government and push the party back to opposition role? Is it the beginning of a new political faction or the opposing factor will trigger serious dialogue within the party?
ODM’s internal debate on whether to fully embrace or resist the “broad-based” government will impact the country’s political scene as the battle for various elective posts in the 2027 General elections takes shape.
