The Orange Democratic Movement is planning a special meeting of its top organs to clarify the broad-based government deal amidst internal disputes.
The Star has learned that the meeting is aimed at resolving the varying and conflicting interpretations of the deal.
“Yes, before the month ends we shall convene so that everything is in black and white. The various interpretations flying out there are not good for our party,” a senior party leader told the Star.
The meeting comes amid growing unease regarding the burgeoning relationship between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
It also follows intense internal squabbling, suspicion and uncertainty, with party loyalists sharply divided over the implications of the apparent détente between Raila and Ruto - long-time political adversaries.
At the centre of this internal conflict is Siaya governor James Orengo, whose statements concerning ODM’s position in the arrangement have caused controversy within the twenty-year-old party.
On Friday, the ODM leader, through his spokesperson, confirmed plans for the meeting, while downplaying the rifts as normal.
“It is the position of the party leader that at the appropriate time, relevant organs of the party will harmonise the diverse views and come up with a harmonised position on the way forward,” Dennis Onyango said in a dispatch to newsrooms.
He urged ODM leaders to exercise decorum while debating the issue, which has heightened political tensions in recent days.
“Raila 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,” Onyango noted.
During the burial of Raila’s bodyguard George Oduor, Orengo criticised the broad-based government, accusing ODM leaders of becoming ‘sycophants’ to the current regime.
“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. Ruto attended the burial.
While Orengo’s utterances were widely condemned, some ODM leaders sided with him, arguing that he was within his political right to express his freedom of speech.
Homabay Senator Moses Kajwang’, while supporting the broad-based government, said any leader is free to criticise the administration’s excesses.
“There is a distinction between loyalty and sycophancy. We take our lessons from Raila Odinga. He has never been a sycophant,” Kajwang’ said in Migori during the burial of Alseba Ouma. “We support the broad-based government because Kenya comes first, but in that support let us be patriots not sycophants. Let us not have a problem with our brothers who have contrary views.”
Last week, a section of professionals demanded that Orengo issue a public apology for embarrassing Raila and the community in the presence of the President.
