Divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party have once again spilled into the open as senior party officials moved to distance the outfit from claims that it has resolved to back President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking in Vihiga on Sunday during an Africa Divine Church (ADC) service attended by President Ruto, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi took issue with a section of MPs who have been publicly pledging allegiance to the president, insisting that the party had not made any such decision.
Osotsi singled out Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o) and Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, saying their pronouncements were “personal political statements without the authority of ODM.”
“The decision to support anyone in 2027 will be made by the party’s central committee. The president should engage ODM through its official channels and disregard any declarations made by expelled or rogue members,” Osotsi said, warning that such statements risk misleading the public.
He emphasized that while ODM had adopted a position to support the government’s broad-based agenda, it did not translate into political endorsement for Ruto’s re-election.
“We have no problem working with the government for the benefit of Kenyans. But our cooperation does not mean we are joining UDA or endorsing Ruto. Those making such claims are acting outside party policy,” the senator added.
Osotsi’s sentiments echo those of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who on Saturday in Mombasa also dismissed the growing wave of pro-Ruto declarations from within ODM’s ranks.
Sifuna reiterated that the party’s partnership with the ruling coalition is based purely on a ten-point development agenda captured in a memorandum of understanding, not political alignment.
“We are not in any coalition with Ruto. ODM remains an independent political party with its own structures and strategy,” Sifuna stated.
The widening rift underscores the tension within ODM as it seeks to balance cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration against internal loyalty and preparations for the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, insiders say ODM’s top organs are quietly strategising to front a strong presidential candidate to carry the party’s flag in 2027 — a move that could further test unity within the opposition.
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