Tensions have intensified within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after the party's deputy leader, Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, threw fresh accusations at some members of the party for trying to destabilise the party from within.
Speaking in Likoni on Thursday, December 25, Nassir claimed that there are some members of the party who, despite holding important positions, were still acting contrary to the party's direction.
The Mombasa County boss warned that the party would not tolerate internal sabotage, insisting that ODM belongs to its members and that leaders have a duty to protect both the party's interests and those of the country.
He also alleged that Raila Odinga's demise did not guarantee ODM to remain in opposition, saying that in 2027, the party will either form the next government or be part of the next government.
"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.
"If there are differing views or proposals, let them be presented openly and constructively, just as we openly declared our intention to form government. Leadership demands honesty, courage, and accountability; not concealment," he added.
The Mombasa governor further threw a jab at the opposition for seeking ODM's support now, despite the same people in the opposition rejecting the ODM bid in 2022, since it did not hold shares in the government.
His statements come days after National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed accused notable figures of the party, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, of trying to "sell the party" to the opposition.
Junet claimed that despite the figures accusing those supporting the broad-based arrangement of trying to sell the party to the government, they too had a plan to negotiate 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. Uhuru promised to invest over one billion shillings to strengthen our party and that we would form the next government if ODM aligned with the United Opposition," Junet claimed.
Meanwhile, ODM youth league member Kasmuel Mcoure also recently threatened to oust Edwin Sifuna from his position as secretary general, accusing him of failing to acknowledge ODM leader Oburu Odinga during a political event in western Kenya.
The developments have further escalated the growing tensions within the Orange Party, with seemingly two factions fighting internally to seize control of the party as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, among others, have recently criticised the party for its close ties with President Ruto's government, questioning the credibility of the Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and UDA signed in early 2025.
The other faction, led by ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, has promised to support Ruto's re-election bid in 2027.
