The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has come out to refute claims of a rift within the party after recent reports of a physical altercation among senior party members.
Acting ODM Party Leader Anyang' Nyong'o released a statement on January 14 detailing several particulars of the crucial meeting in Nairobi as he refuted claims that ideological differences threatened to hurt the party.
According to Nyong'o, the meeting on Friday, January 10, was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and unity of purpose.
"I have, however, been shocked and dismayed by stories circulating in sections of the media, insinuating that there were disagreements, even going as far as alleging fistfights during the meeting. Let me categorically state that nothing could be further from the truth," the Kisumu governor said in the statement.
He added, "We will not be swayed or distracted by baseless and lazy allegations, rumours, or propaganda aimed at undermining our mission and values."
ODM's statement came after a report on Friday by a local daily suggested that tensions within the party were escalating, allegedly revolving around party leader Raila Odinga's newly established relationship with President William Ruto.
In the report, it was claimed that tensions were at an all-time high during the meeting, that it nearly descended into a physical altercation among some of the leaders, who expressed concern over the party's future especially after Raila's cordial stance with Ruto.
Ruto recently extended an olive branch to Raila by actively championing his candidature for the position of African Union Commission chairperson.
Among the ODM dignitaries mentioned in the report were Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed, who were accused of aligning too closely with the Kenya Kwanza government at the expense of ODM's agenda.
On Friday, ODM also sought to reassure its supporters by clarifying that it remained an independent party with no intention of merging with Ruto's UDA.
In a statement from the Central Management Committee, led by Nyong'o, the party emphasised that it remains focused on securing power in 2027.
“ODM remains a distinct political party in competition with all others to win power by democratic means,” stated ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
