Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will harmonise diverse
views from its leaders and announce its position with the Kenya Kwanza
administration, the party has announced.
A statement from the Raila Odinga Secretariat said relevant
organs of the party will harmonise the views at an appropriate time.
It said party leader Raila Odinga believes the discussions
are not unique to ODM and are in line with similar such engagements that have
gone on in equally strong parties in established democracies.
“Mr. Odinga appeals to ODM members and leaders to exercise
decorum, civility, restraint and respect for each other as they debate the current
state of affairs and the future of the party,” it added.
Raila assured members that the party will remain united and
focused on matters of interest to the nation.
The party noted that Raila has been following the ongoing
discussions on the relationship between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza
administration.
“He is also following the various interpretations of the
Memorandum of Understanding with the United Democratic Alliance, with keen
interest.”
The statement comes hot on the heels of reports of a split
in the party, with Siaya Governor James Orengo expressing defiance over ODM's
relationship with Kenya Kwanza.
“I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic
Constitution where people should speak freely. I urge Kenyans to tell their
leaders the truth. This country will go to the dogs again if the kind of
language we hear continues," Orengo said during the burial of Raila’s
bodyguard on April 12, 2025.
In response to Orengo's remarks, ODM Deputy Party Leader
Godfrey Osotsi stated that Raila is the only one who charts the way forward for
the party.
“Raila Odinga is our party leader, and what he says is what
we follow as a party. We have internal party democracy, and what Orengo is doing
is exercising the democracy within ODM,” Osotsi said.
President William Ruto and ODM Secretary General Edwin
Sifuna also traded barbs over the State's affairs during Oduor’s funeral
service.
