Cracks have continued to widen within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Matungu Member of Parliament Peter Nabulindo threatened to quit the party.
Addressing his constituents on Thursday, November 20, Nabulindo said he would leave the party should ODM cease working with President William Ruto's administration.
He noted that the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, left the party in the broad-based arrangement and that any attempts by the current ODM leadership to end the ties would see him quit the party.
"I am an ODM MP, but I decided to support the broad-based government because Raila himself gave such directions, and now those who have been given the task of leading ODM, should they decide to break the ties, they will have to do it alone," Nabulindo stated.
In his speech, Nabulindo took a swipe at a section of ODM politicians over allegations of instigating nationwide protests against the government, warning that such actions were no longer necessary.
"As the people of Western, we have decided that we will remain in the broad-based arrangement and there is no going back to the streets in the name of Maandamano," he reiterated.
He went ahead to question the intentions behind the renewed calls for protests, insisting that the current regime had achieved several milestones under just three years, including affordable housing and improved water and electricity supply.
Nabulindo warned that should ODM leaders resort to joining the opposition ahead of the next general elections, then he would have no other option other than to quit the party.
"We will remain in the broad-based government, and if those leaders from Nyanza try to go to the streets, then we will leave ODM for them and back Ruto's administration," Nabulindo affirmed.
Nabulindo's remarks come amidst growing tension and resentment within the ODM party, with some members raising concerns over the party's ties with Ruto's regime.
Among them is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has in recent months been critical of the broad-based arrangement, warning of a possible downfall of ODM should the party continue working with the government.
Siaya Governor James Orengo also recently criticised the party for its close ties with the Ruto regime, questioning the credibility of the Memorandum of Undertanding between ODM and UDA signed early this year.
