Members of Parliament allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have called on party leader Oburu Odinga to urgently intervene and quell the escalating tensions within the party.
This follows a series of internal wrangles involving some of the party members, including one pitting Secretary General Edwin Sifuna against Minority Whip in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed.
Addressing the press on Monday afternoon, the lawmakers, led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Suba North Counterpart Millie Odhiambo, warned Sifuna and Junet Mohamed against verbal slurs.
To address the political fallout between the duo, the ODM lawmakers called on Oburu to immediately convene an internal spitting session to address the differences.
"It is for this reason that we request our party leader, Dr Oburu Odinga, to move with speed, convene the party's organs and help restore public confidence in the party," the MPs stated.
The MPs also called for an urgent investigation into a recent incident in which Kileleshwa Member of the County Assembly (MCA) allegedly drew a gun against Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Otiende also highlighted a separate incident in which Lamu County Woman Representative, Muthoni Marubu, was physically attacked at a public event for expressing her opinion.
"These incidents follow hot on the heels of the violence that was witnessed in the recent by-elections, especially in Kasipul Constituency, where, unfortunately, two people were killed," Otiende Amollo said.
"Unless urgent action is taken to stem these emerging and unfortunate incidents, 2027 will be rocked by untold violence that is likely to undermine free and fair elections," he added.
Besides Otiende Amollo and Millie Odhiambo, other lawmakers who were also part of the presser were Tom Ondege (Nyatike), Catherine Muma (Nominated MP), John Ariko (Turkana South), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Aduma Owuor (Nyaka) and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang.
The latest development comes on the back of significant internal wrangles within ODM stemming from the lack of a clear party direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A war of words recently erupted between Sifuna and Junet over the 2022 general election funds, in which Sifuna accused the Suna East MP of allegedly swindling funds meant for agents that had been donated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Sifuna also faced an onslaught from former activist Kasmuel McOure, who appeared to suggest the Senator was on his way out of his position as ODM Secretary General.
Further, with Odinga's passing, a dilemma has emerged over the Luo Nyanza region kingpin, with recent opinion polls ranking Babu Owino as the favourite to take on the mantle.
