“ODM cannot join UDA. That will never happen,”
Governor Orengo declared to cheering supporters in Busia.
“ODM is the party that will form the next government and it must have a
presidential candidate. No one will force us to join a government we do not
agree with.”
The Busia rally, attended by a cross-section of
ODM legislators and allies from across the political divide, appeared designed
to send a clear opposition stand on ODM-UDA coalition talks.
In sharp criticism of President Ruto’s
administration, Orengo said ODM could not work with a government they accuse of
presiding over the killings of young people during the 2024 Gen Z protests
against the Finance Bill.
“UDA and its leader caused the deaths of many
Gen Zs,” Orengo said. “I know here, at least 15 people were killed. We will not
speak with anyone until these young people get justice. Raila Odinga said we do
not want seats, but justice for the people, the fixing of the economy and jobs
for our people.”
Sifuna said the party’s role now is to defend
Kenyans against what he described as corruption and poor governance under the
current regime.
“President Ruto’s government killed many
youths here in Busia. And when we ask questions, we are branded rebels,” Sifuna
said as the crowd broke into “Ruto Wantam” chants. “We must ask questions.”
He was categorical that the 10-point MoU with
UDA was never intended to form the basis of a political alliance or coalition
between the two parties.
“If anyone is dreaming that they will do an
extension of that agreement, they must go to Bondo and seek Raila’s
permission,” Sifuna said.
“Up to now, there is nothing they have done to implement that MoU, and some
are telling us to do another deal. If Ruto has not implemented a deal with
Raila, do you think he will implement one with Oburu?”
The remarks were seen as an direct swipe at
Oburu, who is pushing for a deal with Ruto in 2027.
Sifuna added that ODM would only work with
political partners who share Raila’s values and vision for the country.
The rally drew several prominent lawmakers,
including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony
Kibagendi, Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka,
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, Saboti MP Caleb
Amisi, Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and former Makadara
MP Reuben Ndolo.
Senator Osotsi, who is also one of ODM’s
deputy party leaders, accused what he termed the “pro-broad-based” faction
within the party of having been politically compromised by President Ruto.
“We will not accept Ruto to take over ODM,”
Osotsi said. “They are telling us to get into a union with UDA. Will you accept
such a marriage? We say UDA tawe (no)!”
In a direct challenge to Oburu and other
leaders perceived to be leaning towards cooperation with the government, Osotsi
insisted that ODM must produce its own presidential candidate. He maintained
that there are capable leaders within the party ranks who can mount a serious
bid for the presidency.
Caroli Omondi, recently named Azimio la
Umoja’s secretary general, echoed the sentiment, saying ODM and its Azimio
coalition partners remain focused on forming the next administration.
“ODM and our partners in Azimio will form the
next government,” Omondi said, in what appeared to be a reference to the
coalition’s 2027 ambitions.
The Busia meeting further showed the growing division
within ODM over how to deal with the Kenya Kwanza administration without losing
its identity.
