Wamuzi News Ke
Tension has escalated inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after a group of long-serving party life members publicly called for the resignation of newly appointed party leader Oburu Odinga.
The demand comes barely weeks after the party settled on Oburu to take over following the death of Raila Odinga, raising fresh questions about ODM’s stability and future direction.According to the dissenting members, Oburu’s appointment was rushed, divisive, and failed to reflect the broad views of the party’s foundation.
They argue that ODM requires a transparent restructuring process, not what they describe as a handover driven by a small circle of insiders.The dispute intensified after Oburu appeared at a recent function where he strongly criticized individuals he accused of betraying Raila Odinga in his final political days.
He maintained that he was chosen to protect Raila’s legacy and insisted the party would continue in the direction the former opposition leader had established.However, the critics say the current leadership is steering ODM away from its original ideals.
They argue that Oburu’s public declaration that ODM will not return to the opposition contradicts the spirit of the party, which built its identity on checking government excesses and defending democratic space.Political analysts believe these growing divisions could mark the beginning of a deeper clash over the soul of the party.
With prominent figures expressing discomfort and others calling for a National Delegates Convention, the internal pressure is expected to intensify in the coming days.Some lawmakers have already voiced their doubts about Oburu’s suitability to lead, pointing out that the transition has exposed long-standing weaknesses within the party’s structure.
They warn that without immediate intervention, ODM risks losing its influence at a critical moment in national politics.For now, the party has not issued an official response to the life members’ demands.
But the unfolding rebellion signals a new and unpredictable phase for ODM as it struggles to redefine itself after the era of Raila Odinga.
