The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has threatened to withdraw from its working arrangement with President William Ruto’s administration, citing alleged harassment of the coercion of its Members of Parliament ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In an exclusive interview, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed claimed that state machinery is being used to pressure ODM legislators- particularly from the Coast and Western regions to defect to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). According to him, the move is aimed at weakening ODM’s national influence and reducing it to a regional outfit.
“There are people in government who are fighting this union,” Junet said, warning that continued hostility could collapse the partnership.
ODM joined the government following the 2024 political realignments and youth-led protests, a move supported by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to stabilise governance and promote national unity. However, Junet insisted the party’s inclusion was not a favour but part of a broader political agreement.
“We are in government by mistake. We joined to foster unity and inclusivity,” he said, adding that the party could reconsider its position if it continues to be sidelined.
The party has now convened a Central Management Committee meeting to assess the situation and determine its next course of action, including the possibility of exiting the arrangement.
At the centre of the dispute is also disagreement over political zoning ahead of 2027. ODM has advocated for structured seat-sharing within a coalition framework, while UDA maintains it will field candidates nationwide. Junet stressed that ODM does not manipulate internal party dynamics using state resources.
Meanwhile, some political figures suggest a shifting landscape. Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula claimed that several ODM-elected MPs in Western Kenya are already aligning with UDA, signalling potential realignments ahead of the polls.
Efforts to ease tensions have also emerged. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has called for formal coalition negotiations, urging both sides to establish a technical committee to guide pre-election talks. He warned that delays in structured dialogue could undermine the alliance and waste critical time before the election cycle.
The tensions come against the backdrop of President Ruto’s post-2024 government restructuring, which saw several ODM figures appointed to key Cabinet positions. Despite this, ODM now alleges that its members in government are being discouraged from maintaining ties with the party, a move Junet described as intimidation.
As political temperatures rise, the future of the ODM-UDA arrangement remains uncertain, with both sides under increasing pressure to either reconcile or redefine their alliance ahead of 2027.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
