ODM Divided as 3 MPs Publicly Differ With Senior Party Leaders, Back Unconditional Support for Ruto

A disagreement is emerging within ODM over whether the party should support President William Ruto’s re-election unconditionally or negotiate a formal power-sharing agreement with his UDA party.

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda and Nyando MP Jared Okello are backing Ruto’s re-election without demanding a written agreement, putting them at odds with senior party officials pushing for negotiated political commitments.

The three legislators made their position clear on Sunday, November 1, during a political tour of Gem led by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

They argued that ODM’s cooperation with Ruto should be guided by trust, shared interests and the anticipated benefits of working with the government rather than contractual demands.

Odhiambo questioned the need for written agreements, saying political partnerships should be built on relationships and common interests.

“We can’t rely on contracts to build relationships. Let’s build relationships on kinship,” the Gem MP said.

Ochanda maintained that the community’s support for the president should not depend on whether the political arrangement is conditional or unconditional.

He argued that backing Ruto would create opportunities for the region to benefit from the government’s development agenda.

Okello also supported unconditional cooperation, warning that excessive demands could complicate a political relationship that he believes should benefit both sides.

The MPs’ position differs from that of ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, deputy party leader Simba Arati, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed, who want the party to negotiate formal terms with UDA.

The senior officials argue that a structured agreement would protect ODM’s interests and provide clarity on its role in a possible partnership with Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Oburu has also moved to defend the party’s authority to determine its negotiating position, cautioning against individuals, including those outside ODM, attempting to dictate how the party should engage with UDA.

In a statement issued last week, Oburu said he is concerned about attempts to use his temporary absence from active politics to influence the party’s negotiations.

He maintained that ODM has established structures and experienced leaders capable of negotiating in the interests of its members and Kenyans.

Speaking during an interview with Hot 96’s Emmanuel Too on Sunday, November 1, Arati criticised PS Omollo for urging the party to support President Ruto’s re-election unconditionally, despite not being an ODM member.

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