ODM cracks widen as leaders lash at each other in Kakamega event

The split in the ODM party widened further on Sunday, as leaders opposed to the broad-based government clashed with their counterparts supporting the arrangement during an ODM meeting in Kakamega.

The event which brought together ODM leaders from the western Kenya region saw the simmering cracks in the ODM party widen, as the leaders differed on the decision by the party to work with President William Ruto’s government.

Caleb Amisi, MP for Saboti, said: “Mkiendelea hivi tutakuwa na ODM mbili; moja ndani ya serikali na ingine kwa upinzani.

“We cannot allow fraudulence ati mkono moja ndani mkono moja nje,” added Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.

Those in the opposing camp also returned fire in equal force.

“Tuache kujipiga kifua ati nani muhimu sana kwa hii chama. Tuamini viongozi wetu na tushirikiane na serikali,” Butere MP Tindi Mwale said.

The situation forced the leadership of the party, led by the national chairperson Gladys Wanga, to intervene before the event could spiral out of control.

“ODM is a distinct party tuko tu kwa serikali kusaidia,” she said.

Simba Arati, the deputy party leader added: “Amisi and Mwale i call you to order mnapigania PAC. Kama chama hatuna mapatano na chama cha UDA. Sisi hatutaingia kwa uda. imekufa.”

Some of the national officials of the party came to the defence of the ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has been leading an onslaught against the proponents of the broad-based government within ODM.

“Sifuna is built for the future and he must be respected,” said Anyang’ Nyong’o, the acting party leader.

Godfrey Osotsi, the deputy party leader added: “Sifuna is a brilliant leader na aheshimiwe. Hatutaki junior members waende wasomee viongozi.”

The recent arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza which saw five cabinet secretaries allied to the ODM party appointed to cabinet has split the Orange into two, with Sifuna, ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati and other young parliamentarians leading the no side.

The pro-government honchos, led by national assembly minority leader Junet Mohammed and the CS for Mining Ali Hassan Joho lead the other faction.

The upcoming AU Commission elections slated for next weekend are set to complicate things further within ODM, and promises to widen the rift further should the former prime minister exit the local political stage.

ODM will be celebrating 20 years since its formation, with the event slated for the 28th of this month in Busia County.