Africa-Press – Kenya. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has issued a stark warning to his party members in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), urging them to cease airing internal grievances publicly and instead channel disputes through the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Speaking on Sunday, Wandayi emphasised the importance of party unity and loyalty to leader Dr Oburu Oginga, making it clear that the party will not tolerate dissent.
“Always embrace negotiations so that the party remains united. We stand with the position of the party leader,” Wandayi stated. “Those displeased with the position of the party should walk away. We cannot have two factions in a party; we cannot call party rebels a faction.”
His remarks come amid growing internal tension within ODM following the party’s shifting political realignments. Wandayi stressed that there is only one ODM, led by Oburu, which is currently engaged in negotiations regarding the formation of a coalition government with UDA.
Kakamega county Deputy Governor Ayub Savula
The comments signal a hardening stance against rebel voices within the party, as ODM navigates its delicate relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The renewed political heat follows ODM’s formal declaration of new demands for a pre-2027 electoral pact, notably including a claim for the Deputy President’s position. The demand has sparked debate within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula weighed in on the matter, stating that while the president is open to negotiations, the choice of a running mate will ultimately be determined by capability rather than political bargaining.
“The President will know how to navigate the situation. He must pick someone who has the capacity, is loyal, and can coordinate activities,” Savula said.
Drawing a contrast with the current administration’s experience, Savula suggested that President William Ruto is keen to avoid a repeat of the friction witnessed with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He asserted that the next deputy must be well-versed in national policies and capable of executing the administration’s agenda without internal sabotage.
“The position must be held by someone informed on national policies and loyal to the president to avert a situation where he ends up with a deputy he cannot work with. The president needs someone who understands his agenda and has the capacity to deliver, not one full of rhetoric,” he added.
Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa urged ODM party members to exercise patience, backing the party leader’s strategy despite differing opinions within the ranks.
“We may have a difference in opinion, but my stand is very clear, we are supporting our Party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga’s position. We have given him the mandate to negotiate with the government through UDA so that we are in government after the 2027 polls,” Barasa said.
He clarified that Oburu’s recent engagements do not signal a return to the opposition, but rather a strategic move to secure a place in government.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka weighed in on the broader goal of political alignment, urging the electorate to back Ruto based on his development record in the Western region.
“The purpose of getting into politics is forming a government. Those in the opposition want to form a government, and here they are in government. They should stick where they are,” Lusaka said, referring to the ODM leaders now collaborating with the administration.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the delicate dance between ODM and UDA—and the internal fissures it creates—is likely to define the shape of Kenya’s political future.
The leaders spoke during a fund drive at ACK Bishop Hannington, Diocese of Mumias. Other leaders present were MPs Kakai Bisau (Kiminini) Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Beatrice Adagala Vihiga (Woman rep) Mary Emase (Teso South) Fred Ikana (Shinyalu)
