Aasai

THE Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Raila Odinga, continues to falter as it nears its 20th anniversary, while also preparing for the 2027 general elections. In the latest developments that highlight the rift plaguing the party, two key leaders – Treasurer Timothy Bosire and Governor Dhadho Godhana – have launched a movement to form new political parties, complaining of inequality and exclusion in party decision-making. 

Bosire, who is a former Kitutu Masaba MP, has said he aims to form a party that will defend the interests of the Abagusii community, complaining that ODM has lost its national focus. “ODM has now become a vehicle for a few, it no longer has room for grassroots voices,” said Bosire, confirming plans to start a new party.

 On the other hand, Governor Godhana of Tana River has openly declared that he will leave ODM and start another party by 2027, aiming to run for senator and challenge incumbent Senator Danson Mungatana. “For years, Tana River has been oppressed. While our colleagues are sharing the fillets of development, we are being handed the crumbs. It is time for us to also take up the knife,” he said.

 The governor, who entered politics through ODM in 2007, said his party would field candidates for all positions in the election year. Meanwhile, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has led a group of young MPs to launch a new Kenya Moja movement, aimed at opposing the collaboration between ODM and the Kenya First government. 

At a service at the Jesus Teaching Ministry church in Nairobi, MPs like Antony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache Kusini), Babu Owino, Caleb Amisi, and Clive Gisairo, vowed to work with opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, and Fred Matiangi to ensure that President Ruto does not get a second term. “We are uniting to save the nation from the tyrannical rule of Kenya First. Let us work with all who have a vision to liberate this country,” said Kibagendi. He claimed that more than 70 MPs have joined the movement, which is expected to be officially registered as a political alliance.

 In the party’s stronghold of Kakamega, the election of the branch’s leaders was disrupted last week due to tension between the camps of Governor Ferdinand Barasa and MP Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), who disagreed over the electoral system. Last month, some ODM MPs skipped a party members’ meeting called by Raila in Kakamega, complaining of “discriminatory invitations” from Governor Barasa. 

Political analyst Martin Andati says the rebellion by young leaders within ODM reflects dissatisfaction with the party’s partnership with the government. “Raila signed an agreement with President Ruto on March 7, but nothing has been implemented. The government seems to be ignoring the agreement,” Andati said.