Divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) continued to widen on Saturday after a faction allied to the so-called G8 group accused party leader Oburu Odinga of “double standards” and disrespect toward former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
The group, led by Oparanya and several MPs from Kakamega County, turned a Uwezo Fund and Hustler Fund empowerment event into a political rally, openly criticizing the ODM leadership over what they termed sustained attacks on one of the party’s senior figures.
“We cannot sit back and watch leaders who have sacrificed for ODM being demeaned and insulted,” one of the leaders said, adding that Oparanya “deserves respect, not public ridicule.”
The leaders took issue with remarks made by Oburu Odinga and his deputy Simba Arati during a recent ODM delegates’ meeting in Kakamega, where Oparanya was accused of fuelling divisions in the county party after allegedly convening a parallel meeting in Butere last week. Responding to those claims, the G8 faction dismissed the accusations as unfair and provocative.
“It is unfortunate that the party leadership is quick to accuse Hon. Oparanya of division, yet they ignore the real issues affecting ODM in Kakamega,” said one MP.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera was categorical that the party leadership structure in the county was being distorted, insisting, “I am the ODM party chair in Kakamega, not Governor Fernandes Barasa.”
The group warned that continued sidelining of Oparanya could trigger a major fallout, including the formation of a splinter outfit if the standoff is not resolved.
“If Oburu Odinga does not move with speed to address this matter, we will have no option but to chart our own political path,” one of the MPs said.
They emphasized that their anger stemmed from what they described as “disrespectful and inflammatory remarks” by some ODM leaders during last week’s delegates’ meeting, calling instead for dialogue and mutual respect within the party ranks.
In a move that underscores the seriousness of the rift, the G8 leaders openly declared their intention to rally behind President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. They argued that the Western Kenya region, and Mulembe in particular, deserved greater recognition at the national level.
“We will support President Ruto in 2027, and we want Wycliffe Oparanya considered for the Deputy President position in recognition of the numbers and contribution of the Mulembe nation,” one leader said.
The remarks signal a growing strain within ODM, a party that has traditionally drawn strong support from Western Kenya, and raise fresh questions about its unity and political direction ahead of the next election cycle.
Read: 7 ODM MPs Call for Unity as Party Grapples With Growing Internal Divisions
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