A number of key ODM figures have adopted a cautious, middle-ground approach as internal wrangles continue to rock the party, exposing deep divisions between rival factions.
Read Also
Among those maintaining a neutral stance are Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, MPs Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo and Ruth Odinga (Kisumu MP).
Enjoying this article?
Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans
They have deliberately declined to publicly align with either of the emerging ODM factions at a time when leaders are choosing sides.
The four leaders, all influential within ODM’s ranks, have instead called for restraint and internal cohesion, even as tensions continue to simmer.
ODM is currently split between the Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground camps, both battling for influence and control of the party’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Linda Ground is headed by Party leader Oburu Oginga, while Linda Mwananchi is led by embattled Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
The ongoing standoff has raised concerns over ODM’s stability, with fears that prolonged divisions could erode its traditional support base and undermine its influence in national politics.
While many within the party see the four as fence-sitters, they maintain that a united ODM is still possible despite the fallout.
None other than the party’s acting secretary general has accused some of the leaders of fence-sitting at a time when the outfit is at a crossroads.
In a pointed message, the Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo called out Millie for what she described as avoiding direct engagement in party disagreements.
“Millie Odhiambo, whom I looked up to in politics, has sat on the fence when so many things are happening in ODM; she is sitting on the fence. She said ODM mistreated Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. In her heart, somehow, she is picking a side,” Omanyo said.
The four have, however, defended their position, saying their focus is on bringing the factions together.
Millie, the Suba North MP, said she had taken a clear stand for reconciliation and unity within the party.
The vocal legislator also faulted the party leadership for mistreating the group led by Sifuna, while cautioning against handling disputes in a way that elevates dissenting voices.
“I took a clear stand for reconciliation and unity. Goons were sent to attack me for seeking a strong and unified party,” she wrote.
“Our mistreating Sifuna is what has made Sifuna a hero. So let us be careful the way we are dealing with our issues.”
Amollo has also weighed in on Sifuna’s ouster, terming it a mistake that ought to have been avoided.
“I warned Oburu that ousting Sifuna would destroy ODM. I told him there was nothing to gain from such a move, yet my advice was ignored,” Amollo said.
Ruth has also publicly declared that she is not aligned to any of the two factions.
“We cannot go anywhere with these two factions. That is the truth of the matter. Don’t castigate me when you see me speak to Orengo, because I also speak to Wanga. You cannot castigate us because we just want our people to come together,” Ruth said over the weekend.
“Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi should come together; otherwise, we are going to lose. There is no negotiation table we will go to when we are not a united ODM.”
Nyong’o has also not aligned with either faction.
Political observers say the leaders’ decision to remain neutral is a strategy for political survival, allowing them to maintain relations with both sides.
Political analyst Daniel Orogo said the neutrality is aimed at political survival, especially given indications that the Oburu camp may influence who secures the ODM ticket in 2027.
“I think this is for political survival in coming nominations because, we like it or not, Oburu's faction is probably the legitimate one. As things go, it presents some semblance of a legitimate transition for the ODM party,” Orogo told the Star.
“The people surrounding Oburu are powerful within the party. They could decide you are not getting a certificate, and you don’t get it.”
Orogo also argued that their neutrality positions them as potential bridge-builders should reconciliation efforts gain traction.
He said despite their silence on factional allegiance, the leaders are engaging in behind-the-scenes consultations aimed at diffusing tensions and encouraging dialogue between the warring camps.
“I can assure there could be underground political reconciliation that is not yet public, aimed at uniting the ODM factions,” Orogo said.
However, according to university don Prof Gitile Naituli, ODM will only survive if its leadership manages to use the two factions to complement each other rather than compete.
“For years, Raila Odinga managed this duality with remarkable precision. He allowed both wings to operate, not as contradictions, but as complements.
Engagement did not extinguish resistance; it coexisted with it,” Naituli said.
“The party could negotiate by day and critique by night, maintaining relevance across multiple political terrains. It was a delicate balance. And it worked because there was a central figure capable of holding it together. That figure is now receding.”
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The rivalry between Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground has intensified in recent weeks, with both sides holding parallel activities and trading accusations over the party’s 2027 approach. Attention is increasingly turning to neutral figures who have kept their intentions unclear.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!