Which way, ODM? Rift widens as Raila's troops clash over 2027 game plan

Differences among the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leaders on whether to support President William Ruto’s second term bid or go it alone and field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election played out in the open in Mombasa during the party's ongoing 20th anniversary celebrations.

Leaders supportive of the broad-based government led by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and those against the cooperation led by Siaya Governor James Orengo publicly clashed during separate meetings of the party bringing together the youth, women and persons living with disability.

“Sisi haturudi kwa maandamano…Raila alituwacha kwa broad-based government…haturudi kutupa mawe,” said CS Joho.

However, Joho’s position was openly rejected by a section of the party’s leadership, led by Governor Orengo who insisted that ODM will go it alone and field a presidential candidate to take on President Ruto.

“There is no way ODM can bembeleza Ruto. ODM is the party with the troops. I am not a coward to mention that we will not sell our party…why do we have cowards in this party? Who said ODM will not front a presidential candidate? Wale wanasema ODM will not have a presidential candidate, hiyo ni upumbavu sana. Let our party not go to the dogs…kama mna uoga, msiuze uoga kwetu…I’m prepared to go back to the streets,” declared Orengo.

Orengo's position seemingly drawing support from the party's official spokesperson, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and other unlikely quarters.

“Sasa kila mtu anasema aliongea na Raila kisiri, sasa si tufuate ile Baba alisema mbele yetu wote?” Posed Sifuna.

Raila Odinga’s daughter Winnie Odinga, on her part, said: “You cannot come up with board room decisions…ODM has its principles and fundamentals…”

ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati said: “Sisi tuko broad-based hadi 2027, hapo mbele tuta field candidate and we will only work with friends of ODM.”

The party assuring the youth, women and persons living with disability that it will advocate for their rights and welfare.