A sharp split has emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after a tense meeting of its top leadership on Tuesday, revealing internal wrangles over the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto.
According to sources familiar with the meeting of the party’s Central Management Committee (CMC), ODM leaders found themselves divided into two camps: one backing ODM leader Raila Odinga’s working relationship with President Ruto, and another voicing deep reservations.
This unexpected development caught Raila off guard, prompting him to suggest the formation of a technical committee to monitor progress on the ten-point agreement signed between him and President Ruto earlier this year.
The goal is to prevent further division and ensure the party remains focused.
Raila is now putting more pressure on President Ruto to uphold the right to peaceful assembly, compensate victims of police brutality, and defend the rule of law and the constitution. How the government handles these demands could either strengthen or ruin the working deal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the center of the pro-Ruto camp were ODM Chairman and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Minority Whip Junet Mohamed, Youth League leader John Ketora, and Women’s League head Beth Syengo—all of whom expressed support for the current administration.
On the opposing side, Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna led a team of critics who are uncomfortable with the ODM-Ruto deal. He was supported by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, and ODM Treasurer Timothy Bosire.
They resisted calls from pro-Ruto allies within the party to have Sifuna removed from his position.
This group also raised doubts about President Ruto’s commitment to implementing the ten-point agenda that he and Raila signed in March. Bosire, for instance, opposed Ruto’s January appointment as NTSA board chair, saying it showed bad faith.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o chose a middle ground. He criticized both camps for taking extreme positions and warned ODM officials against openly promoting Ruto’s 2027 presidential ambitions.
A party statement released after the meeting admitted that members arrived with differing views but eventually found common ground in safeguarding the unity and future of ODM as a people-centered party.
One official, speaking anonymously, said the meeting offered a chance to assess President Ruto’s willingness to honor the agreement.
“If the task force submits its report and the UDA side refuses to act on it, we will conclude that they have no intention of honoring the MoU,” the source said.
He noted that issues like compensation for protest victims and police brutality are politically sensitive.
“If ODM succeeds in pushing these through, it will be a win for ordinary citizens. But for UDA, paying compensation could be seen as admitting to past killings during protests,” he added.
Another official described how members were firm in their opinions without turning hostile.
“There was concern that the Secretary-General was fueling confusion. Some said if every official pushed personal opinions, the party would fall apart,”
Still, members expressed concern about human rights violations and the arrests of perceived government critics. Despite this, some acknowledged that a few of the agenda items had seen progress.
Raila now finds himself managing two sides within ODM, each pulling in different directions. The team led by Sifuna has started countrywide tours targeting youth leaders from both ODM and UDA.
Among the group are outspoken figures like Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Nyali’s Mohammed Ali (UDA), Timothy Wanyonyi (Westlands), Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache), and Caleb Amisi (Saboti).
One of Raila’s biggest challenges ahead is pushing for justice and compensation for victims of police violence, especially those who suffered during the 2023 protests most of whom were his loyal supporters.
