ODM alleges hostile party takeover in Luhya land

ODM Deputy Party leader Godfrey Osotsi/FILE

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of attempting to co-opt its grassroots structures in Vihiga and Kakamega counties.

The Star contacted UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar Hassan for clarifications on the allegations by ODM but there was no reply by press time.

In a statement released on Thursday, ODM claimed that some of its legislators and county officials had recently been invited to participate in UDA campaign strategy meetings, including an event held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi also alleged that UDA has formed a regional presidential caucus made up of ODM members, which it said violates both the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution.

“Over the past few days, a section of ODM legislators and officials in Vihiga and Kakamega counties have been incorporated into the United Democratic Alliance electoral and campaign strategy meetings,” the statement read.

“This amounts to a hostile takeover of ODM and is part of a scheme that includes threats of violence and expulsion directed at senior ODM officials who speak out.”

ODM described the invitations as “predatory acts” by UDA, claiming they were made under the false impression of a political cooperation agreement between the two parties.

“Our members are being approached to facilitate and participate in the upcoming UDA grassroots elections under the false pretext that UDA and ODM are in a political cooperation agreement,” it claimed further.

ODM said the incursions by UDA were particularly concerning following the death of the party’s former leader, the late Raila Odinga, and at a time when the party is still consolidating its leadership.

The party clarified that no formal agreement or pact exists between ODM and UDA to govern political collaboration at national or grassroots levels.

“For clarity, there is no legally binding agreement or pact between UDA and ODM at national and grassroots levels to anchor the ongoing political overeach by the UDA party,” ODM said.

It noted that the only arrangement between the two parties is a 10-point reform package stemming from the mid-2024 Broad-Based Government initiative, which is set to expire in 2027.

“This 10-point reform agenda does not amount to a formal cooperation agreement or pact between ODM and UDA political parties,” the statement said.

“Incorporating our members into UDA programmes in this manner is a hostile attempt to leverage ODM’s grassroots structures, developed over two decades to 'soften the ground' for the eventual eviction of "undesirable" ODM officials, without provoking popular backlash.”

The party emphasised that it remains a distinct political entity and is not subordinate to UDA, cautioning members against being misled by what it described as opportunistic external forces.

“It should be understood that currently ODM is a distinct political party, and it is not an appendage to UDA party. The broad based arrangement does not provide for how the two parties will handle 2027 elections going forward”.

Osotsi urged party members to reject participation in UDA activities, adding that several grassroots officials in Vihiga and Kakamega had already reaffirmed their loyalty to ODM.

“I therefore urge ODM members to resist being hoodwinked into the illegal acts. I am glad that the many ODM grassroots officials and members in Vihiga and Kakamega Counties that I have spoken to recent days have since denounced their involvement in UDA activities and pledged their steadfast loyalty to the ODM party,” the official said.