No going back to opposition, ODM vows as it warns rebels

Orange Democratic Movement leaders have intensified grassroots engagements, promising to keep the party in government and resist efforts to confine it to opposition ranks.

Speaking during a rally in Magarini, top officials accused a section of party members of deliberately pushing for the Orange party to remain in opposition, a move they said will not happen.

ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohammed said the party must now guard against spirited attempts to take it back to the opposition.

“There are people here in Kenya, their brains have been conditioned that ODM belongs to the opposition. They want small parties like DCP (Democracy for Citizens Party) to be in government but not ODM,” Junet said.

The Suna East MP also hit out at some senior party members who he said are trying to revive their political careers through confrontational politics.

“There are people in this country who take pride in being opposition for self-esteem and chest thumping, ” Junet said.

Wanga said the party has been in opposition for the last 20 years and they are determined to change the course in 2027.

“We have been in the opposition trenches for the last 20 years, we have decided that in 2027 we are not going back to opposition,” Wanga said.

“In 2027 ODM will either form government or be part of the ruling coalition. That is why we have tasked our party leader Dr Oburu Oginga to go out and talk to UDA who we are partners in the broad-based government.”

The Homa Bay governor was however categorical that they will not engage the United Opposition in their pursuit to build 2027 coalition.

“The only people we will not engage are Wamunyoro, those who are stuck with tribal politics,” Wanga said. 

The leaders also called for strict discipline within the ranks, saying that unity and adherence to party directives are key to safeguarding its political agenda.

“Our party is ODM and it is not a tribal outfit. This is a national outfit. Our party deserves respect,” Junet said. 

Deputy secretary general and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo called for respect.

The party began the second leg of its 'Linda Ground' campaign on Wednesday after the National Executive Committee meeting that resolved to remove Sifuna from the office.

Sifuna however, obtained orders from the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal blocking his removal.

The team will on Saturday hold engagements across Taita Taveta and Kwale counties, starting in Taveta in the morning, followed by Voi at midday and Ukunda in the afternoon.

The Coast tour will conclude on Sunday, February 15, with Oburu attending a church service in the morning before addressing supporters at a rally in Tononoka later in the day.

ODM began the 'Linda Ground' county tours on Saturday, January 17, in Malaba, Busia county, followed by a second stop in Kakamega town on January 18.

The party unveiled the initiative, dubbed 'Operation Linda Ground,' on Wednesday, January 14, at Kamukunji grounds in Kibra constituency, Nairobi.