TANDAO MEDIA.

Internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have deepened following sharp accusations by Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, who claims some senior members are working to destabilize the party from within.

Speaking during a public address in Likoni on Thursday, December 25, Nassir, who also serves as Mombasa Governor, expressed concern over what he described as deliberate efforts by certain ODM leaders to undermine the party’s unity and direction. He warned that such actions would not be tolerated, emphasizing that ODM belongs to its members and that its leadership must act in the best interests of both the party and the country.“We will not allow our party to be weakened from within. This party belongs to its members, and as leaders, we bear a responsibility to safeguard their interests and to act in the best interests of our country,” Nassir stated.He further argued that the passing of ODM’s founding leader, Raila Odinga, should not consign the party to perpetual opposition.

Nassir asserted that ODM is preparing to either form or be part of the next government in the 2027 general elections.The governor also criticized members of the opposition who are now seeking ODM’s support, despite having rejected the party’s overtures in the 2022 elections. He questioned their motives, suggesting that some of them are now attempting to co-opt ODM for political gain.Nassir’s remarks come amid a wave of internal disputes that have rocked the party in recent weeks.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed recently accused key figures within ODM, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, of attempting to align the party with the opposition, particularly former President Uhuru Kenyatta.“These are the people who make the loudest noise in ODM. They want to ensure the broad-based government fails so that we can go to Wamunyoro,” Junet said, referencing a political strategy allegedly involving a billion-shilling investment from Kenyatta to strengthen ODM’s position within the proposed United Opposition.The party’s internal strife has also spilled into the youth wing.

ODM Youth League member Kasmuel Mcoure recently threatened to push for the removal of Sifuna as secretary general, accusing him of disrespecting party leader Oburu Odinga during a political event in western Kenya.The growing discord has exposed a widening rift between two factions within ODM. One group, led by leaders such as Orengo, Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, has voiced concern over the party’s increasing closeness to President William Ruto’s administration. They have questioned the legitimacy of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) earlier this year.In contrast, another faction led by ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga has pledged support for President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, signaling a potential realignment of the party’s political strategy.