The political split within the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) became apparent between those supporting the broad-based government and those opposed to it over the weekend during the party's Western Region Convention in Kakamega. 

During the convention on Sunday, leaders and delegates present clashed on a myriad of issues facing the party, including what some of them termed as the party's Central Management Committee unilaterally making decisions without involving other members, with the latest being a decision to work with the government. 

Some leaders opposed to the broad-based government launched scathing attacks at their counterparts who have in the past criticised ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. 

Sifuna has remained one of the few voices consistently challenging the government despite the party’s newly formed political arrangement.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and ODM Interim Party Leader Anyang' Nyong'o during a past event on January 18, 2025.

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Anyang' Nyong'o

Some of the leaders led by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and his Lugari counterpart Nabii Nabwera faulted the party's double-stand approach in working with the government. 

''When Baba (Raila Odinga) returns from his AU engagements, we will convene here and expect the party leadership to clarify whether we are in government or not,'' Amisi stated, warning that failure to do so could lead to a divided ODM.

''If we fail to address this, we risk ending up with two ODMs—one in government and the other in the opposition,'' he added.

The events saw the leadership of the party led by its chairperson Gladys Wanga intervene to avoid what would have spiraled into a clash.

According to Wanga, the party was not keen on reinforcing the perception that it was aligning with the government. She suggested that ODM had already decided to field candidates for all elective seats in the 2027 elections.

''We asked what our position as ODM on this matter of the broad-based and the rest. We have said three things, one among them is that the party is a distinct one because the purpose of any political party is to get power,'' Wanga stated. 

ODM Deputy Party leader Simba Arati further suggested that there was no way they could accept the party being merged with UDA, alleging that the latter was 'dead.'

''Your Excellency William Ruto, we as ODM cannot get into UDA. UDA is dead politically,'' Arati shared. 

However, on the issue of Sifuna's sustained attacks on the government, the party's interim leader Peter Anyang' Nyong'o told off those opposed to the SG, insisting that the party had full belief in him. 

''Edwin Sifuna is somebody we have full confidence in and I would like you to give him full support,'' Nyong'o maintained. 

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following Senate proceedings on September 8, 2022.

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