Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has openly expressed frustration over deepening divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement, warning that internal wrangles are weakening the party’s influence, especially in the Western Kenya region.
His latest remarks have once again exposed the growing tension inside ODM as leaders struggle to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Oparanya, attempts to bring together rival factions within the party have repeatedly faced resistance from hardliners who are unwilling to accommodate differing political views.
The former Kakamega governor argued that disciplinary actions and political isolation targeting some leaders have complicated efforts to market the party effectively at the grassroots level.
His comments come at a time when ODM is experiencing intense internal pressure following disputes linked to the party’s relationship with President William Ruto and the broader political cooperation between sections of ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The tensions have particularly escalated after disciplinary action and leadership changes involving figures such as Edwin Sifuna and Godfrey Osotsi.
Political observers now believe the divisions reveal “when the rain started beating us” within ODM, as the once tightly united party increasingly struggles to balance loyalty, succession politics, and shifting alliances.
The phrase appears appropriate given the widening cracks that have emerged after the reduced direct influence of longtime ODM leader Raila Odinga, whose leadership had for years managed to hold together competing regional and ideological interests within the party.
Oparanya further noted that leaders campaigning for the government in ODM strongholds are now facing difficult questions from supporters who do not understand why some influential party members are being removed or sidelined.
He warned that continued infighting risks alienating key voting blocs, especially in Western Kenya, where many residents already feel neglected within the party’s current power structure.
With the 2027 political season gradually taking shape, ODM’s internal battles could significantly influence future alliances, succession plans, and the broader opposition landscape in Kenya.
Link; https://nation.africa/kenya/news/politics/wycliffe-oparanya-how-hardliners-frustrated-my-efforts-to-unite-odm-factions-5456346#story
0 Comments