ODM Divisions Deepen as Rival Factions Stage Parallel Kakamega Meetings Amid Power Struggle
Fresh divisions have erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with rival party factions holding parallel meetings in Kakamega County, underscoring growing internal tensions just months after the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The splits were laid bare on Tuesday when two competing ODM camps convened separate gatherings, each claiming legitimacy and influence over the party’s grassroots structures in the vote-rich western region.
One faction, led by Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, held a delegates’ meeting at Mabole in Butere, which was attended by ODM party leader Dr Oburu Odinga. The meeting brought together several elected leaders and party officials aligned to Oparanya, signalling a push to reassert control over the party’s direction in Kakamega.
At the same time, a rival group allied to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa organised a separate meeting in Kakamega town, deepening perceptions of an emerging power struggle within the party’s regional leadership.
Addressing supporters in Butere, Dr Oburu Odinga acknowledged the internal wrangles, but struck a conciliatory tone, insisting that ODM’s strength lies in unity and grassroots mobilisation.
“Together with my brother Wycliffe Oparanya, we are committed to reuniting the party and restoring unity in Kakamega,” Dr Oburu said.
“ODM is a mass movement. Its power comes from the people at the grassroots, and we must not allow internal divisions to weaken the party.”
Oparanya echoed the call for cohesion, warning that prolonged infighting risked undermining ODM’s influence at a critical political moment, particularly as negotiations continue between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also weighed in, urging party leaders to embrace dialogue and restraint.
“These issues can and must be resolved through engagement,” Wanga said, calling on leaders to prioritise party unity over personal interests.
However, the parallel meetings highlighted the depth of the divisions, with each faction drawing support from elected leaders and local party officials, raising concerns about ODM’s ability to present a united front in western Kenya.
Several ODM leaders present at the Butere meeting, including Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, Christopher Aseka (Khwisero) and Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), turned their attention to national politics, urging the party to adopt a tougher stance in ongoing talks with UDA.
They argued that ODM should demand nothing less than the deputy party leader position as part of any power-sharing arrangement, warning against what they described as symbolic concessions.
The latest fallout comes at a sensitive time for ODM, as the party seeks to redefine its leadership and political strategy following Raila Odinga’s death. With Kakamega considered a key ODM stronghold, analysts warn that sustained infighting could weaken the party’s grassroots base and embolden rivals ahead of future electoral contests.
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ODM Divisions Deepen as Rival Factions Stage Parallel Kakamega Meetings Amid Power Struggle