ODM grapples with internal divisions over support for Ruto's gov't

A faction within ODM has sharply criticized President Ruto's leadership, asserting the party should focus on securing the presidency in 2027. 

This faction has rejected presidential appointments, accusing colleagues in government of sycophancy and indulging in excessive praise of the president. 

In contrast, ODM Cabinet Secretaries and a section of Members of Parliament have openly declared their support for Ruto’s administration, raising questions about the party's unity.

The contrasting views within ODM have been highlighted by recent remarks from various leaders:

Junet Mohammed: "Some are saying we should leave. Leave to go where?"

Peter Kaluma: "Some are still wondering if these people have truly joined us or not. We are not leaving!"

The alignment of some ODM leaders with President Ruto has drawn mixed reactions. For instance, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi expressed his loyalty to the president:

Opiyo Wandayi: "Mr. President, we are fully with you. While others are making noise, we will stay focused."

These statements have exposed a rift in ODM over whether to back President Ruto’s administration and what the party’s future ambitions should be.

ODM loyalists have not shied away from criticizing those warming up to Ruto. They argue that such actions undermine the party’s integrity and mission.

Simba Arati, ODM Deputy Party Leader: "Individuals who are excited may speak as if on behalf of the party. That is not true. They speak in their personal capacity."

Babu Owino, MP Embakasi East: "Those advocating for ODM to join the government are misleading the party. They are killing ODM, and that is not what Baba wants."

Amid these internal disputes, some leaders remain steadfast in ODM’s vision for 2027.

Simba Arati: "Parties are formed to capture power. Power today is with Kenya Kwanza. Our business is to figure out how to capture that power from them."

Raila Odinga, ODM’s leader, has maintained silence on the simmering tensions, focusing instead on his campaigns for the African Union Commission chairmanship. 

Meanwhile, President Ruto has intensified his engagement with the Nyanza region, consolidating his political base ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political analysts speculate that Ruto could potentially abandon his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and form new alliances, even with ODM. However, key ODM leaders have dismissed any prospects of supporting Ruto’s re-election.

Simba Arati: "We have no card on the table to support Ruto for his re-election. Let him work hard, and let those we have given him work hard as well. Stop the reckless talk and sycophancy."

Babu Owino: "I am sure Raila doesn’t want us to join the government but to focus on helping Kenyans."

The divisions within ODM highlight the challenges of maintaining party cohesion as 2027 approaches. 

Whether ODM can hold its center together in the face of mounting political differences remains a question only time will answer.