ODM Lawmakers Demand Urgent Reform Amid Fears of Party Collapse and National Unrest

By John Kariuki 

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A group of eight prominent legislators from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have issued a stark warning to the party’s leadership, demanding an end to internal "self-cannibalization" and calling for urgent action to address a rising tide of political violence across the country.

​The formal statement was jointly issued by Hon. Dr. Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Hon. Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Hon. Tom Odege (Nyatike), Hon. Catherine Muma (Nominated), Hon. Dr. John Ariko (Turkana South), Hon. Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Hon. Aduma Owuor (Nyando), and Senator Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay).

​In their collective address, the legislators expressed profound grief over the passing of their party leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, whose death two months ago has left a significant void in the nation's political landscape. They noted that while they remain committed to the principles of democracy and tolerance championed by the late leader, the current political climate is rapidly degenerating into one of physical aggression and divisive rhetoric.

​The MPs highlighted several alarming incidents as evidence of this shift, including the physical assault of Lamu County Woman Representative Hon. Muthoni Marubu in Murang’a and reported shooting threats involving Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Hon. Babu Owino. 

They further warned that the recent deaths of two people during by-elections in Kasipul Constituency serve as a dark omen for the 2027 general elections, which they fear will be undermined by untold violence if the current trajectory continues.

​Focusing on internal party matters, the group criticized what they termed a spectacle of self-cannibalization within ODM. They issued a direct urge to Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to desist from public verbal attacks and return to constructive internal dialogue. 

The statement also called upon Dr. Oburu Odinga to move with speed to convene the party’s organs and restore public confidence, warning that smaller political parties are already moving to occupy the strategic space previously held by ODM.

​The signatories concluded by calling for an internal "spitting session" to resolve grievances, asserting that the movement cannot survive as a revolutionary force if it continues to abandon the ideals of justice and free speech upon which it was founded.