A group of senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislators has issued a stark warning over rising political intolerance, violence and deepening internal divisions within the party, saying the country risks sliding into chaos ahead of the 2027 General Election if urgent action is not taken.
In a hard-hitting statement dated January 5, 2026, the MPs said the death of longtime party leader Raila Amolo Odinga two months ago had left a leadership vacuum that is now exposing the country — and ODM itself — to dangerous political excesses.
The lawmakers said they continue to mourn Odinga, describing his death as a profound loss not just to the party but to the nation. They said ODM members are struggling to steady themselves without the unifying influence of a leader who embodied inclusion, tolerance, democracy and national unity.
Against that backdrop, the MPs raised alarm over what they termed an “emerging and escalating national rhetoric” that is rapidly degenerating into violence. They cited the recent attack on Lamu Woman Representative Muthoni Marubu in Murang’a for expressing her views on the 2027 presidential race, describing the incident as a chilling sign of shrinking democratic space.
They also pointed to reports that Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai allegedly attacked and threatened to shoot Embakasi East MP Babu Owino following political disagreements, as well as violence witnessed during recent by-elections, particularly in Kasipul Constituency, where two people were killed.
“Unless urgent action is taken to stem these unfortunate incidents, the 2027 elections will be rocked by untold violence that could fundamentally undermine free and fair elections,” the MPs warned.Turning inward, the legislators said they are deeply troubled by what they described as “self-cannibalization” within ODM, noting that open feuds and divisive rhetoric now dominate party politics in the absence of Raila Odinga’s restraining influence.
They said the public infighting is eroding the party’s standing as the country’s largest political movement and called on ODM leaders and members to recommit to unity and discipline. In a pointed appeal, they urged party officials — including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed — to stop trading public insults and instead resolve disputes through internal dialogue.
The MPs called for the convening of an urgent internal “spitting session” to end the ongoing mudslinging and refocus the party ahead of next year’s elections.
They further warned that as ODM tears itself apart, smaller political parties are aggressively moving in to occupy spaces the party once dominated. The lawmakers appealed to ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Odinga to act swiftly by convening party organs and restoring public confidence before the movement begins hemorrhaging members.
“This intolerance does not augur well for a revolutionary movement founded on the ideals of democracy, free speech and justice,” the statement said.The statement was signed by Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Nyatike MP Tom Odege, nominated MP Catherine Muma, Turkana South MP John Ariko, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, signaling growing unease within ODM’s parliamentary ranks over the party’s direction in the post-Raila era.
