Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein has criticised what he described as widening cracks within the ODM party, warning that the growing divisions pose a threat to the party’s stability and long-term survival.
Hussein, the only MP elected on an ODM ticket in Garissa County, said the party has been drifting off course since the death of its former leader Raila Odinga, and called on the current leadership to urgently address emerging tensions.
The MP spoke in Hagadera, Fafi Sub-county, where he accompanied several leaders, including area MP Salah Yakub and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
He said it was regrettable that internal wrangles were emerging at a time when the party was marking two decades since its formation.
According to him, the milestone should have been an opportunity to celebrate ODM’s political journey, but divisions now threaten to undermine years of growth.
“The other day, we converged in Mombasa to celebrate 20 years since the formation of our party. But it cannot be that as we celebrate, we are also marking our downfall, because by the look of things, that is the route we are taking if we are not careful,” Hussein said.
He noted that while ODM has always allowed members space to air their views, leaders must remain measured in their public statements to avoid fuelling conflict.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula speaking during the function at Hagadera, Fafi Sub-county./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Hussein hinted at some members allegedly sowing division through public attacks against fellow leaders, warning that unchecked hostility could inflict lasting damage on the party.
“ODM is my party, from which I was elected. I love it so much. But the latest developments have left me very disappointed. Since our late party leader died, things have not been the same,” he said.
“We have all seen leaders attacking each other in meetings in full glare of our supporters. The same leaders have not been measured in their utterances. Unfortunately, they forget the harm they are doing to the party, all in the name of exercising democracy,” he added.
Hussein urged newly installed party leader Oburu Oginga to take firm control of the party and ensure unity is restored.
He said strong, decisive leadership was needed to prevent disintegration and guide ODM forward.
“I have a word for our new party leader. He should stay firm and focused and, if need be, exercise some level of firmness to keep the party intact and drive it forward. He needs to rise to the occasion and show true leadership,” Hussein said.
The MP also reaffirmed ODM’s participation in President William Ruto’s broad-based government, insisting the party remains committed to constructive engagement.
Residents of Hagadera, Fafi Sub-county./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
He dismissed calls from some quarters for ODM to sever ties with the ruling UDA party.
What began as a celebration of the party’s 20-year journey has now evolved into an internal storm, with several leaders openly differing over the direction ODM should take.
A central point of contention is whether the party should fully embrace the broad-based government framework.
Those expressing divergent views include
party leader Oburu Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, deputy party leaders
Abdulswamad Nassir, Godfrey Osotsi, and Simba Arati, Cabinet Secretaries Hassan
Joho and John Mbadi, and MPs Opiyo Wandayi, Junet Mohamed, Ruth Odinga and Babu
Owino, among others.
