Co-operatives and SMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has issued a sharp rebuke to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership, demanding clarity and unity on the party’s role in the Broad-Based Government (BBG). In a bold statement, Oparanya criticised senior party figures for sending conflicting messages, warning that this ambiguity erodes public trust and undermines multiparty democracy.
Speaking at the burial of Kasipul MP Charles Were, Oparanya was blunt: “We cannot claim to be in government and the Opposition simultaneously. We are in government under the BBG arrangement, that’s the truth. Why lie or beat around the bush?”
The former ODM Deputy Party Leader accused some leaders of political doublespeak, attending state functions and accepting government roles while criticising the administration. “This creates democratic dysfunction,” he said, “and puts those of us serving in government on behalf of ODM in a politically awkward position.”
Oparanya noted that the contradictions confuse grassroots supporters who expect principled leadership and consistent messaging from ODM. He revealed that he, alongside Treasury CS John Mbadi and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, sought clarity from ODM leader Raila Odinga, known to supporters as “Baba.”
“I was surprised because Baba told me he supports BBG,” Oparanya said. “So, I asked why he hasn’t spoken out clearly, leaving us exposed to public criticism.”
Oparanya singled out vocal ODM leaders like Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo for issuing statements that contradict the BBG framework the party helped create. “You seconded us to stabilize the government. Now that we’re working, Sifuna and Orengo are distracting us with unnecessary noise,” he said.
He warned that without a clear stance on BBG, ODM risks alienating supporters and losing relevance in Kenya’s evolving political landscape. “It’s time for ODM to rethink its principles and operate within a framework that upholds democracy and internal coherence,” he urged.
Oparanya also questioned ODM’s claim to Minority Leadership positions in Parliament, arguing that these should have been ceded to Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Democratic Movement after joining BBG. “We can’t have it both ways,” he insisted.
Treasury CS Mbadi and Energy CS Wandayi echoed Oparanya, defending their roles and urging critics to focus on constructive engagement. “Sifuna, I remain an ardent ODM member,” Mbadi said. “But the law required me to resign my party position while serving in government. Let’s stop these political games.”
Senior ODM figures, including Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga and Migori Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko, supported BBG and urged anti-BBG factions to tone down their rhetoric.
Oparanya’s rare public outburst highlights tensions within ODM and raises questions about party loyalty, coherence, and the future of opposition politics in Kenya. Whether ODM heeds his call or continues to straddle the fence remains uncertain, but the stakes for the party and Kenya’s democratic landscape are high.
