Wamuzi News Ke
In a very intense and noticeable way the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has had an internal conflict where the experienced politician and the party’s mainstay, Oburu Odinga, have openly challenged the critics inside the party to confront him over the issue rather than creating dissent from the back.
This announcement made during a rally in Kisumu County on Friday indicates a power struggle that could lead to the reshuffle of ODM’s unity and thus affect its participation in the 2027 elections.
Oburu, a major ODM player and ex-Cabinet minister, escalated the issue, which he called a direct challenge to those critics who were not named and whom he accused of corrupting the party’s image and unity.
Oburu, speaking to the electrified audience, made it very clear that any party member having complaints must voice them openly “face to face” and not through the secret leaks and media briefings that have plagued the party over the past weeks.
“We build together, we argue together, and if you have issues with me, come to me,” Oburu declared. His remarks come amid a string of internal disputes over party nominations, grassroots representation, and strategic alliances that critics say reflect deeper rifts between the ODM leadership and its county-level operators.
Political analysts see Oburu’s comments as a tactical declaration of power at a period when ODM is wrestling with internal divisions, especially after disputable incidents concerning candidate selection and alliances with other political forces.
The older statesman’s issue is a mark of an even stronger battle for power inside one of Kenya’s biggest opposition movements.The watchful eye of the observer sees that Oburu’s position is an indication of the party’s general fears about the issues of loyalty and discipline, which ODM should be careful of while trying to unite against the rival coalitions.
The demand for open confrontation—rather than anonymous criticism—is probably designed to prevent the public from expressing their discontent and at the same time to debunk the myths of internal decay.
On the other hand, critics have warned that the assertive language used by Oburu could end up deepening the existing quarrels instead of settling them, thus posing the question of how ODM will take care of its dissenters and at the same time keep the party united under pressure of politics.
Oburu’s challenge has not been met with an official response from the party, thereby keeping both supporters and opponents in the dark as to whether any of the dissenters will heed his invitation for direct confrontation.
