Gem MP Tells ODM Rebels: Leave if Unhappy with Ruto Deal

Wrangles within ODM over its cooperation agreement with President William Ruto’s administration continue to deepen, with leaders allied to the deal now calling for dissenters to quit the party. Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has told ODM members opposed to the broad-based government arrangement to resign instead of, as he put it, “rocking the party from within.” “Baba left us in a broad-based government. That is where we are, and that is what we are implementing. Anyone opposed to it is free to leave,” Odhiambo said. The second-term legislator said ODM members, including elected leaders, are bound by decisions made by the party’s organs and must respect collective resolutions even when they disagree with them. “ODM is a party governed by structures. Organs make decisions on behalf of the party, and we are all required to adhere to their resolutions,” he said. Odhiambo said those opposing the cooperation with President Ruto are deliberately undermining party unity, warning that persistent dissent could weaken ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election. “Anyone opposed to the decisions of party organs is a rebel hell-bent on breaking the party,” he added. The Gem MP said the ODM Central Management Committee had resolved to support the broad-based government and that the matter should be considered settled. According to him, continued public attacks on the agreement only serve to confuse supporters and hand ammunition to political rivals. The party has been sharply divided since it entered into a cooperation framework with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a move that marked a major political shift for ODM, which has historically positioned itself as the main opposition force. Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila Odinga’s elder brother, has emerged as a key defender of the arrangement, arguing that engagement with the government offers ODM an opportunity to influence policy and push for reforms from within. However, a faction led by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has openly criticised the deal, insisting that it blurs the party’s opposition identity and risks alienating supporters who voted against the Kenya Kwanza administration. The internal standoff has exposed deep ideological and strategic differences within ODM, raising questions about party cohesion as the 2027 polls draw closer. Analysts warn that unless the disputes are resolved, the divisions could weaken ODM’s bargaining power and electoral strength. Despite the growing tensions, leaders backing the agreement insist the party must close ranks, arguing that discipline and unity are essential if ODM is to remain a formidable political force.