ODM Chair, Oburu Odinga (File:The Kenya Times)
Nairobi, January 24, 2026
By Savanna Radio Staff
Divisions within Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have intensified as the faction led by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya accuses party leader Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga of hypocrisy and double standards in handling regional leadership disputes.
The rift erupted publicly in Kakamega over the weekend, where Oparanya’s group, known as the ‘G8’, walked out of a reconciliation meeting convened by Oburu to bridge tensions between Oparanya and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. The G8 claims Oburu’s group prioritizes personal gain over party unity, demanding loyalty tied to the late Raila Odinga’s legacy while sidelining Western region’s contributions. They argue new leadership must “earn” support through merit, not inheritance.
Oburu, pushing for harmony ahead of ODM’s National Delegates Conference, urged dissenting members to exit peacefully rather than sow discord, contrasting sharply with criticisms from Winnie Odinga, who accused party elites of auctioning ODM’s soul and marginalizing Raila’s family. Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has reaffirmed Governor Barasa as Kakamega’s ODM point man, escalating the power struggle.
These fractures, echoing nationwide rifts between Odinga and Oginga loyalists, threaten ODM’s cohesion ahead of 2027 polls. Savanna Radio will monitor developments as stakeholders call for dialogue to salvage the party’s influence in Kenyan politics.
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