Africa-Press – Kenya. Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has defended the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) continued presence in government, telling party members opposed to the arrangement to consider quitting the party and forming their own political outfit.
Odhiambo claimed a small group within the party was attempting to hijack ODM for personal interests, arguing that their political history does not support their current position.
He also dismissed calls by some ODM members demanding that the ODM party stand alone, insisting that ODM had already made a strategic decision to work with President William Ruto’s administration.
“We are missing the point. ODM is already in government. The party leader left ODM in the national government under President Ruto,” Odhiambo said.
He faulted a section of party members for what he termed as misleading the public by portraying ODM as independent from government, yet it continues to wield influence within the current administration.
“I have heard Governor James Orengo saying ODM should stand alone. We are not asking ODM to stand alone. ODM will remain in government,” he stated.
Odhiambo’s remarks come amid growing divisions within ODM, with Orengo cautioning the party against entering into any political pact with President Ruto.
Orengo has argued that such an alliance would diminish ODM’s national stature, warning that it risks being reduced to a regional outfit if it formally aligns with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Partnering with Ruto does not make sense,” Orengo said in a recent interview with NTV, urging the party leadership to tread carefully as the 2027 General Election approaches.
Orengo is alleged to belong to a faction within ODM that is opposed to the broad-based government arrangement.
Others include Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who also serves as the party’s Secretary General.
Odhiambo, however, dismissed the concerns, insisting that ODM’s engagement with the government is driven by development and service delivery rather than political convenience.
He further faulted Orengo for his role in crafting an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government (during the late former President Mwai Kibaki’s regime), claiming that it failed to benefit ordinary Kenyans.
On development, Odhiambo expressed confidence that key road projects linking Kisumu, Siaya and Busia counties would be completed before the next general election.
“We know where the country is going. We want to reach the level of Singapore. Roads in this region will be done before the next election,” he said.
He further claimed that only a handful of ODM members are currently against the party position, while the majority are already working within government, suggesting that those uncomfortable with the arrangement should consider forming their own party.
“The only people in ODM holding contrary party positions are three. The rest are in government. If they are uncomfortable, they should form their own party,” Odhiambo said.
Looking ahead, the legislator proposed a national conversation on constitutional reforms, including a referendum to create positions such as Prime Minister to promote unity and inclusive governance.
“The country should talk about a referendum so that Kenya can move together. That conversation should happen after the next election,” he added.
