Aladwa Blasts Dissenters, Demands They Leave ODM

Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is experiencing a major internal conflict triggered by the strong-edged ultimatum given by the prominent party member Aladwa Obado commanding the dissenting members to either get out of the party or be silent while the current leadership of ODM takes its course. Things could get very messy because of the rising tensions between long-time party members and a group of lawmakers that has recently emerged who are openly critical of and even antagonistic towards the party’s strategies and leadership.

The ultimatum, which was very clear, was issued by Aladwa under the circumstances of a very charged party meeting held in Kisumu County. He said that the rebels in the party who are dissatisfied with the aloofness of ODM must take a very clear step—either they will leave the party or the party will not tolerate them. The political statement has gone all over political circles, as it denotes a very rare and public divide within one of the oldest political parties in Kenya.

Aladwa warned, “Those who are not prepared to walk with the team should go.” He added that the time of national political competition is both dangerous and intolerable for the internal dissent. His remarks were seen as an effort to bargain with loyalty in the 2027 election cycle, where the bloc comprising major united political parties can be decisive.

The ultimatum creates a scenario whereby the party will have to go through a vigorous battle over its identity, succession plan, and alliances for future strategies. The present leadership critics have said that ODM must take up a larger audience and reconsider its positioning in Kenya’s unpredictable political climate. On the contrary, Aladwa and his followers insist that unity and discipline are the keys to the party’s survival and winning at the polls.