Revealed: Simmering row that threatens ODM unity

A fresh political storm is brewing within the ODM faction aligned to Oburu Oginga, as internal disagreements over zoning and leadership style threaten to widen existing cracks among key figures.

Sources within the camp indicate that a section of leaders has grown increasingly uneasy with what they describe as a top-down approach to decision-making, the latest point of contention being the divisive issue of zoning.

There are also growing jitters that some party officials may be seeking to consolidate power for personal or factional advantage.

ODM is still recovering from an acrimonious split with the Linda Mwananchi group, spearheaded by, among others, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Some analysts argue that the fallout has already weakened ODM and reduced its negotiating leverage with President William Ruto.

Fresh divisions, they warn, could further erode the party’s standing as it heads into the 2027 polls—its first without its founding leader, Raila Odinga, widely regarded as the most consequential politician in Kenya since independence.

The zoning policy, which seeks to ringfence ODM strongholds from competition by coalition partners, is being championed by key party leaders, among them national chairperson Gladys Wanga.

Critics have openly challenged the Homa Bay governor on the matter and called on the party to reconsider the position which they warn may stifle grassroots democracy.

Several members have voiced concerns that once zoning is finalised, power will be concentrated in the hands of a few influential figures who will ultimately determine who secures the party ticket.

The lawmakers led by National Assembly’s Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo urged the top leadership to abandon the plan in favour of free and credible nominations.

“ODM has always managed to successfully front candidates without any formal form of zoning, perhaps there may be silent agreements in urban areas like Nairobi, but there has never been a need for zoning for ODM,” Millie said.

“We need to listen to the public and the public is keen that we show what we have done for them. When we start pushing an agenda strongly of zoning it means that we are actually putting our personal interests ahead of that of our constituents.”

The leaders have also taken issue with the broader governance style within the camp, accusing the leadership of ignoring consultation and sidelining inclusivity.

Millie lifted the lid to the simmering row over leadership lapse in the outfit accusing some unnamed top officials within ODM of overstepping their mandate and acting as though they are late party leader Raila Odinga.

In a sharp rebuke, the outspoken four-term lawmaker claimed that some individuals in the party’s leadership ranks were making unilateral decisions and sidelining established structures, a move she said was fuelling internal discontent.

“What I can tell the ODM party is that we are moving in a direction I don’t like, which is disunity. We are all elected in our respective constituencies. Let us respect each other,” Millie fired at the top leadership.

“Let us also be honest none of us is Raila and because none of us is Raila we need to listen to the public.”

Muhoroni MP Onyango Koyoo has also publicly castigated some top party officials of being ‘bully’ in the party demanding that only the Secretary General and Party Leader Oburu Oginga should speak on behalf of the party.

“Serious issues involving the party position should either be articulated by the party leader or the secretary general,” Koyoo said even as he criticised zoning as was being advanced by Gladys Wanga.

The third-term MP even demanded that some top officials be excluded from the yet to begin negotiations, signalling the magnitude of the internal rift.

“President to talk to party leader and a group that we will give him very soon but not these youngsters who are running around they don't have experience they don't know how far people have come”

In apparent reference to the ODM chairperson, Koyoo raised fears that the Homa Bay governor is keen on using her influence in the party to ‘impose’ candidates.

The lawmaker was referring to a recent case where the ODM chairperson held a meeting in his constituency which was attended by his rival and the governor’s brother.

“In my constituency, they came to endorse a candidate who is her brother. I have vast experience in this field and it is good I now know the owner of the dog,” Koyoo stated.

Wanga did not respond to our inquiries.

The discontent, insiders say, has fuelled quiet but growing resistance, with some leaders calling for more consultation on serious party matters.

However, proponents of zoning within the faction maintain that the strategy is necessary to prevent chaotic primaries and reduce internal disputes that could weaken the party ahead of future elections.

They argue that consensus-building through zoning has historically helped maintain political stability in competitive regions.

ODM Vice chairperson and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo called for restraint among leaders engaged in the ongoing zoning debate, terming the public exchanges as unnecessary and counterproductive.

The legislator said discussions on zoning within the party and its coalition partners should be handled through structured channels rather than media spats.

Otiende noted that such sensitive negotiations are best suited for formal platforms, urging the party leadership to urgently constitute negotiating committee to steer the process

“There is no need to engage in public spat in funerals when there is provision to have that debate in closed doors as part of negotiations,” Otiende told the Star.

 “What we should be doing as a party is to move on from where we left in joint Parliamentary Group with UDA, by now the technical committee should have laid ground for appointment of the negotiating committees.”

 “Let the negotiating team focus on these details.”

 The Rarieda MP however defended zoning as a normal tool that has been used to consolidate votes for a presidential candidate in coalition arrangements.