ODM leader Raila Odinga has finally addressed the growing unease within his party following reports of a rift sparked by the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA.
In a statement issued Friday through his spokesperson Dennis Onyango, Odinga urged ODM members to maintain decorum and unity as discussions around the MoU continue. He assured members that the party’s organs will harmonize differing views and determine the way forward in due course.
“This is not unique to ODM,” the statement noted, likening the internal debate to similar engagements in established democracies.
His remarks come amid open defiance from Siaya Governor James Orengo, who has publicly criticized the ODM-UDA arrangement, warning of potential fallout. ODM Deputy Leader Godfrey Osotsi, however, reaffirmed Odinga’s authority, stating the party remains united under his leadership.
The tensions were also evident during the funeral of Odinga’s bodyguard, where sharp exchanges took place between ODM’s Edwin Sifuna and President Ruto, further highlighting the strain.
Odinga emphasized that the party remains focused on national interests and urged members to engage respectfully as deliberations continue.
