By Wakhungu Andanje
Dissatisfaction and discontent dominated the Western Region Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates’ meeting held in Kakamega County last weekend as the party gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary in Kenya’s political arena.
In what could be an indication of a major fallout within the region’s allegiance to the party, speaker after speaker expressed frustration with the party’s modus operandi. The top leadership, based at the Orange House in Nairobi, came under intense scrutiny, facing accusations of election malpractice, rampant corruption, bribery, and manipulation of both elected and nominated leaders.
The party’s questionable dealings were laid bare at the regional delegates’ meeting, which brought together leadership from Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and Trans Nzoia. Various leaders openly criticised the national office for unapproved tactics that undermined the regional delegation.
Leading the charge were women delegates from the five counties who had vied for various positions, including Member of County Assembly (MCA), Woman Representative, and Member of Parliament (MP). Those who failed to clinch seats but were later nominated due to their loyalty and commitment to the party recounted how they were ultimately sidelined after financial transactions influenced the nomination process in favour of wealthier candidates.
“We have tirelessly campaigned for this party, recruited members, and ensured its growth. Yet, when we express interest in leadership positions, our academic qualifications are suddenly questioned,” lamented one delegate. “How is it that when we mobilise for the party, our qualifications are not an issue, but when we seek positions, we are disqualified unless we can pay Ksh 2 million? The highest bidder takes it all. We refuse to be mere cheerleaders while others reap the benefits.”
The Chairman of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in Busia, Mr Obiero, also voiced grievances, revealing that despite their efforts to register voters for the party, they were sidelined during nominations due to their inability to raise funds.
“It is now public knowledge that ODM in Western Kenya only favours the wealthy. There is no democracy even for the physically challenged. How are we expected to raise Ksh 2 million to secure a position, whether elected or nominated? It is time we reconsider our support for this party,” he asserted.
MPs from the region added to the concerns, with Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera urging the national office to stop double-speak, which he said was destabilising the party. He called on Acting Party Leader Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o to restore order. “You are now the party leader, and you are the backbone of ODM. Let our direction be clear. It is deceptive to claim that we are working with President William Ruto’s government while simultaneously denying any association with his administration,” Nabwera stated. Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe warned that the allegations raised by the delegates were grave and, if not addressed professionally, could lead to party anarchy.
“We must take these concerns seriously. It is the delegates who have given us leadership, not the other way around,” he emphasised. Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali reminded the ODM leadership that Kakamega County had overwhelmingly supported Raila Odinga in past elections, yet there had been no single nomination from the region.
“Kakamega County, after Nyanza, has the highest number of ODM-elected MPs. Our numbers must count in national matters, including development. The party headquarters must address our grievances and end double-speak,” he insisted. He further revealed that six more slots in the broad-based government were expected to be allocated to ODM.
“We are aware that six more positions are coming to ODM, yet the party leadership is keeping this information close to its chest. We are watching closely. Let everything be laid on the table so that we can fairly discuss the distribution. We deserve to be rewarded for our unwavering support.”
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe took a firm stand against bribery at the national office, stating that once a leader is duly elected or nominated, their position should not be altered for financial gain. “We need transparency in the allocation of broad-based government positions and must put an end to internal party sabotage,” he asserted.
Funyula MP Dr Mudenyo reminded the leadership that Western Kenya is a stronghold of ODM and should not be treated as an outsider. “We demand respect and recognition in this party. We have always been loyal and still command a massive following,” he declared.
The meeting reached a climax when Butere MP Tindi Mwale and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi clashed over the vacant Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) chairmanship, previously held by Suba MP John Mbadi. Mwale, who had deputised Mbadi, argued that he should be confirmed as the rightful chairperson, citing his experience and previous role. Amisi, on the other hand, maintained that it was up to Raila Odinga and the party’s top leadership to decide.
Amisi praised Generation Z for holding Kenya Kwanza accountable over the finance bill but warned against their criticism of Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) bid. He argued that negative social media portrayals could jeopardise Raila’s chances of securing the position. He also expressed frustration over ODM’s treatment of Trans Nzoia, where members were urged to support a non-ODM gubernatorial candidate. He vowed that in 2027, the county would field its own ODM candidate or reconsider its support for the party.
Tindi Mwale, meanwhile, dismissed Amisi’s concerns and insisted that the party’s top leadership had already given him the green light to assume the PAC chairmanship. “The party has gone through difficult times but is on track to lead in 2027. Stop giving us ultimatums and chest-thumping. No one is more ODM than the other,” he said.
At one point, ODM Communications Director Philip Etale had to intervene to cool tempers, requesting a musical interlude before urging members to resolve their disputes through the appropriate parliamentary structures. Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, who doubles as the party’s Secretary for Political Affairs, announced that ODM would launch a nationwide 20th-anniversary celebration, culminating in a major event in Mombasa. She also reaffirmed Raila’s pursuit of the AUC chairmanship.
Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda avoided internal politics and instead called on women to rally behind Raila’s AUC bid. ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga assured delegates that the party remained stable and robust.
“We may disagree, but that does not mean the party is at a crossroads. ODM remains the strongest party south of the Sahara and north of the Limpopo River. We will continue holding the government accountable, even with some of our members serving within it,” she said. Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi described the delegates’ meeting as part of ODM’s strengthening process, dismissing any notion that it was a response to a recent United Democratic Alliance (UDA) event in the county. He announced upcoming visits to Bungoma on the 27th and Busia on the 28th as part of the anniversary celebrations.
His counterpart, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, dismissed claims of an ODM-Kenya Kwanza partnership, maintaining that ODM remains the majority party in Parliament.
“If UDA is collapsing, its leadership should seek our consent to join ODM. If Ruto wishes to join us, we shall evaluate and determine if he deserves a second-term chance,” he quipped. Acting Party Leader and Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o praised Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, describing him as a capable and future ODM leader. He urged ODM MPs to table a motion in Parliament to counter unconstitutional presidential directives.
The meeting concluded with resolutions to support Raila’s AUC bid, strengthen ODM nationwide ahead of the 2027 elections, and hold ODM@20 celebrations across all 47 counties.
