The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of attempting a “hostile takeover” of its grassroots structures in Western Kenya, particularly in Vihiga and Kakamega counties.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ODM said some of its legislators and county officials were invited to participate in UDA campaign meetings under the false impression of a political cooperation agreement. One such meeting took place on January 6 at a hotel in Kakamega, where several ODM legislators reportedly attended a UDA convening.
“The predatory acts by the UDA party are regrettable and in bad faith, especially now that ODM is in the midst of finding its footing following the demise of our former Party Leader, the Rt Hon Raila Amollo Odinga,” ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi said.
ODM described UDA’s actions as a deliberate attempt to lure MPs, MCAs, and county officials into its programmes, an act it said was undermining its grassroots structures built over two decades.
The party also claimed that UDA has formed a regional presidential caucus composed of ODM members, a move it says violates both the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution.
ODM-UDA Deal
At the same time, ODM emphasised that there is no formal or legally binding agreement between the two parties at the national or grassroots level, adding that the only framework in place is a 10-point reform package inked by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga last year, ushering in the 2024 Broad-Based Government initiative, which the party says does not amount to a political pact.
“Incorporating our members into UDA programmes in this manner is a hostile attempt to unlawfully leverage ODM’s grassroots structures to ‘soften the ground’ for the eventual eviction of ‘undesirable’ ODM officials without provoking popular backlash,” Osotsi added.
The party accused UDA of using threats of brutality and expulsion to intimidate senior ODM officials who have spoken out against the overtures.
ODM said the attempts by UDA to co-opt its members are taking place at a time when the party is still reorganising after the passing of its leader, a period when internal unity is critical.
The party called on its members to resist being drawn into UDA activities and to remain loyal to ODM’s constitution and grassroots structures.
Osotsi noted that many ODM officials in Vihiga and Kakamega who were approached have already denounced involvement in UDA programmes and reaffirmed their allegiance to the party.
ODM reiterated that it remains a distinct political party, independent of UDA, and that the 10-point reform package does not dictate how the two parties will handle the 2027 elections.
