Kenya Insights

Tag: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)

  • Shut Your Mouths or Exit the Govt, MP Zaheer Jhanda Blasts ODM Amid Opposition to Ruto’s Shooting Orders

    Shut Your Mouths or Exit the Govt, MP Zaheer Jhanda Blasts ODM Amid Opposition to Ruto’s Shooting Orders

    Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has launched a scathing attack on ODM leaders criticizing President William Ruto’s controversial directive to police to shoot protesters in the legs, telling them to either stop their criticism or resign from the broad-based government.

    The UDA lawmaker’s explosive remarks come as the opposition intensifies its condemnation of President Ruto’s recent order directing security agencies to shoot anyone caught destroying or attempting to set fire to police stations in the leg, a directive that has sparked widespread outrage among human rights groups and political leaders.

    Taking to social media platforms, Jhanda questioned the moral authority of ODM leaders to lecture the Kenya Kwanza administration on governance and human rights issues.

    “Those ODM leaders criticising the government should not threaten or lecture us on how to run the government or on human rights. They have never won any elections,” he posted.

    The MP’s confrontational stance highlights the growing tensions within Kenya’s broad-based government, where ODM members occupy key Cabinet positions despite their party’s criticism of the administration’s handling of recent protests and security matters.

    President Ruto’s July 9 directive ordering police to shoot protesters targeting businesses in the legs to incapacitate them without causing fatal injuries has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

    ODM leaders have pointed out the fatal risks of such orders, citing the case of Rex Masai, a young protester who died after being shot in the leg during recent demonstrations.

    The directive has sparked outrage among rights groups, with President Ruto publicly directing police officers to shoot individuals caught destroying property in the legs, a statement that comes amid ongoing protests over police brutality and corruption.

    Jhanda’s most pointed challenge came in his dare to ODM critics to clarify their position within the government.

    “If they’re uncomfortable in the broad-based government, then muhame mbio [leave quickly],” he stated, using a Swahili phrase that translates to departing hastily.

    The MP went further, challenging the sincerity of ODM’s criticism by daring party leaders to instruct their Cabinet members to resign.

    “Ask your ministers to resign, and then we shall take you seriously,” he added, effectively calling their bluff on their opposition to the administration’s policies.

    Jhanda’s outburst exposes the fragile nature of Kenya’s broad-based government arrangement, where opposition members serve in Cabinet positions while their party maintains a critical stance toward government policies.

    The MP’s challenge to ODM leaders to either support the government fully or exit entirely reflects the mounting pressure on the hybrid political arrangement.

    The controversy over the shooting orders has already drawn criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and opposition leader Raila Odinga, with rights groups condemning the directive as potentially deadly.

    Jhanda’s provocative stance represents the hardline position within the ruling coalition, demanding absolute loyalty from all government participants regardless of their party affiliations.

    The MP’s challenge to ODM leaders to “shut their mouths or exit the government” sets the stage for a potential political showdown that could reshape Kenya’s current governmental structure and test the durability of the broad-based administration experiment.

  • Raila Calls on Supporters To Ignore Standard Newspaper; Terms Its Reporting Malicious

    Raila Calls on Supporters To Ignore Standard Newspaper; Terms Its Reporting Malicious

    NAIROBI — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has urged his supporters to disregard reporting by The Standard newspaper, accusing the media house of running a malicious campaign against him and his family.

    In a strongly-worded statement issued Tuesday by the party’s Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna, ODM condemned what it termed as a “campaign of demonising and tarnishing” Mr. Odinga’s person, career, standing, and legacy by The Standard Newspapers.

    The statement particularly referenced The Standard’s lead story published on Monday, May 5, 2025, which ODM described as “misleading” and “packed with lies, malice, mischief, and a clear vendetta against the Odinga family.”

    “We appeal to our supporters to refuse to be blackmailed, arm twisted and intimidated by a company that is pursuing a disguised political and profit motive,” read part of the statement dated May 6, 2025.

    According to ODM, The Standard’s coverage is motivated by both political and profit interests, with the newspaper allegedly attempting to “blackmail and arm twist Mr. Odinga and ODM into supporting the political position of the owners and management of the Standard Group.”

    The opposition party claimed that the newspaper’s Monday coverage falsely suggested that family members of the former Prime Minister who currently hold elective and appointive positions owe their positions to a political agreement between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.

    “The unmistakable insinuation in The Standard’s narrative is that anyone bearing the Odinga name has no place in Kenya’s public life — whether in elective, appointive, or even voluntary service,” the statement continued.

    The party acknowledged that The Standard correctly reported that Raila Odinga currently holds no government office, his brother Oburu Odinga is an elected Senator, and his sister Winnie Odinga is a duly elected Member of the East African Legislative Assembly.

    However, ODM took issue with the newspaper’s attribution of these positions to what it called a “handshake” agreement, claiming this undermines “the credibility of legitimate electoral and parliamentary processes.”

    The statement also referenced Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Oranga, reportedly a daughter of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who allegedly was dismissed from her position as Chief Chemist at the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya upon discovery of her family connection.

    ODM accused The Standard of serving “the political interests of a well-known family whose own members have simultaneously held multiple elective offices,” alleging double standards in the newspaper’s reporting.

    The party emphasized its support for “every Kenyan holding an appointive or elective position regardless of family or region of origin, the Odingas included,” and reminded The Standard that “Kenya is a constitutional democracy founded on equality, fairness, and merit – not inherited exclusion.”

    The Standard newspaper had not responded to ODM’s allegations by press time.

  • ODM Ticket Scandal: Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok Accused of Trading on Raila’s Name for Millions

    ODM Ticket Scandal: Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok Accused of Trading on Raila’s Name for Millions

    Busia Aspirant Claims Nairobi Minority Leader Demanded Cash for ‘Guaranteed’ Party Nomination

    A growing scandal is threatening to drive a wedge between ODM party leader Raila Odinga and one of his vocal Nairobi allies after allegations emerged of a scheme to “sell” party tickets for the upcoming 2027 elections.

    Makongeni MCA and Nairobi County Assembly Minority Leader Peter Imwatok has been accused of soliciting millions from Busia gubernatorial aspirant Engineer Vincent Sidai, allegedly claiming he could leverage his “close relationship” with Raila Odinga to secure the coveted ODM ticket.

    Multiple sources close to the negotiations revealed to this reporter that Imwatok has been positioning himself as a gatekeeper to ODM nominations, particularly in Busia County where incumbent Governor Paul Otuoma is facing impeachment proceedings over corruption allegations.

    “Imwatok approached Sidai claiming he could guarantee the ODM ticket for 2027,” said a source who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.

    “He bragged that Raila confides in him about party matters and had already indicated that Otuoma would be denied the ticket due to the corruption scandals.”

    The MCA reportedly told Sidai that for “a few million shillings,” he could “smoothen the path” for his endorsement by arranging exclusive meetings with key ODM officials and ensuring his name would be favorably mentioned to Raila.

    This isn’t the first time Imwatok has allegedly attempted such a scheme.

    Sources indicate he approached another senior government official with political ambitions in Busia County with similar promises, but the official declined his advances.

    What makes the situation particularly explosive is Imwatok’s public habit of dropping Raila’s name in conversations and meetings, often implying he has the party leader’s ear on crucial decisions.

    “He tells everyone he’s on the phone with Baba every day. He claims Raila consults him on party strategy and candidate selection,” said another source familiar with Imwatok’s operating style.

    “He’s been using this perceived closeness to extract favors and influence from aspirants across several counties.”

    Imwatok has been a subject of grapevine over similar issues.

    Party insiders suggest Raila Odinga remains unaware of how his name is being used in these negotiations.

    When contacted for comment, an official at ODM headquarters expressed surprise at the allegations and indicated that candidate selection follows formal party procedures that cannot be influenced by individual members regardless of their position.

    The scandal puts Raila in a difficult position as he prepares for what could be his final political chapter.

    Having built ODM’s reputation on anti-corruption principles, any perception that party tickets are for sale through proxies could damage both his personal legacy and the party’s electoral prospects.

    Engineer Sidai, when reached for comment, was guarded in his response but didn’t deny the meetings with Imwatok. “I have been approached by many people claiming to have influence in ODM. I listen to everyone but make my own decisions,” he said.

    As pressure mounts for clarity on the matter, all eyes are now on Raila Odinga to address whether one of his vocal Nairobi allies has been operating a nominations-for-cash scheme without his knowledge or blessing.

    The silence from the ODM leader’s office has only fueled speculation about potential cracks in the relationship, with party loyalists concerned about the impact such allegations could have on the party’s image ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.

  • Even With ODM Support, Ruto Will Lose In 2027, Sifuna Reiterates

    Even With ODM Support, Ruto Will Lose In 2027, Sifuna Reiterates

    Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has said that President William Ruto stands to lose 2027 elections, even with Raila Odinga’s support, citing incompetence and loss of public support.

    Sifuna said Ruto has failed to manage the country’s internal and international affairs, making the grounds for re-election severely slim.

    Appearing on Citizen TV Thursday morning, Sifuna argued Ruto’s administration has destroyed lives, weakened the economy, and allowed the killing of people.

    Sifuna, who douples up as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretarty General, said the party will not support Ruto’s administration, as suggested by some party members.

    He criticized a section of ODM MPs who pledged support for Ruto following the African Union Commission (AUC) election.

    “As ODM, I’m telling you, and I’ve said it on this show, my position is that even if ODM supports Ruto, Ruto will still lose. I have said it here, and I repeat it. So, I want to make it very clear that, as a party, we do not support either the internal affairs or the external affairs of this country as they are being run,” Sifuna said.

    The Secretary General emphasized that ODM is a party of order and hierarchy, and the decision on whom to support lies with its leader, Raila Odinga.

    Sifuna urged ODM members to remain steadfast and wait for Raila’s directive upon his return.

    He dismissed speculations that Ruto’s support for Raila during the AUC chairmanship race would influence ODM’s political direction.

    “Are you telling me that if William Ruto had driven off and left Raila behind, there would have been no vehicle to take him to the venue? Let’s be serious as a party,” Sifuna said while commenting on Ruto’s move to share a ride on his official car with Raila.

    This statement comes as the ODM party navigates a turbulent political storm, with internal divisions deepening over whether to support President Ruto’s government.

    The debate arose after President Ruto showed immense support for ODM’s party leader during the AUC campaigning period and the election itself.

    However, Raila lost the AUC seat to Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in a fiercely contested race. Youssouf secured the two-thirds threshold with 33 votes in the seventh round of voting.

    Youssouf’s victory marks Kenya’s second unsuccessful attempt to secure the AUC chairmanship, following a similar defeat in 2017 when Moussa Faki of Chad defeated Kenya’s candidate, Amina Mohamed.

    Raila conceded defeat in the race, expressing gratitude to his supporters and emphasizing the importance of respecting democratic processes in Africa.

    “I had offered myself as a candidate. Over the last few months, I have traveled across the continent, engaging with different leaders and canvassing for their votes. Today, they have expressed their will,” Odinga said.

    “As it is, we did not succeed. We must strengthen democracy on the African continent, and I am therefore conceding defeat. I want us to use this as an example of how to reinforce democratic values across Africa.”

    Odinga congratulated Youssouf and wished him success in his new role.

    “I want to wish my competitor, Ali Youssouf, all the best and success in his new role. I also want to thank all the member states who voted for me—and those who did not—because, in doing so, they exercised their democratic rights. This is how democracy should work,” he added.

  • President Ruto Dismisses Claims of Being a One-Term President

    President Ruto Dismisses Claims of Being a One-Term President

    NAIROBI – President William Ruto addressed critics of his presidency during a service at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoretti North, Nairobi, on January 12, 2025. He dismissed claims that he would only serve one term, recounting how some doubted he would ever become president.

    Ruto, emphasizing divine intervention in his political journey, stated, “There are people talking about one term, two terms, three terms. I want to tell you that there was a time when some people didn’t think I would even get any term, but who is God? I am very happy that God has given me this opportunity to lead Kenya, me, who was just a small, unknown person, from an unknown family. I am a very proud president of the Republic of Kenya.”

    He defended his decision to cooperate with the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for a broad-based government, highlighting the importance of national unity for progress. “God has given me an opportunity to lead this country and a mission to transform Kenya, and I am committed to ensuring we achieve this transformation. That’s why I am ready to unite with all leaders and all Kenyans to fulfill God’s will for this country,” Ruto added.

    ODM Leaders Stand by Ruto

    Several ODM leaders present at the service voiced their support for Ruto. Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, speaking from the church podium, assured the President of re-election in 2027, provided he maintains his alliance with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and keeps faith with God.

    Atandi expressed optimism about the Kenyan economy, forecasting growth in 2025. “Some people are saying you’re a one-term president. I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that as long as you are with God and with Baba [Raila Odinga], you won’t be a one-term president. Our economy is set to jumpstart, and this year, money will flow into Kenyans’ pockets. We’ll silence the critics’ noise,” Atandi declared.

    He also acknowledged Ruto’s efforts in Nyanza, mentioning improvements in electricity and infrastructure, and reassured the President of the region’s support through prayers and political backing.

    This public show of support from ODM leaders during a church event underscores a political strategy to bridge divides and rally behind Ruto’s leadership, aiming for both spiritual and economic rejuvenation in Kenya.

  • ODM Will Support Ruto’s Re-Election In 2027- CS Wandayi

    ODM Will Support Ruto’s Re-Election In 2027- CS Wandayi

    Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has confirmed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will support President William Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 polls.

    Wandayi, a political ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, stated that the Nyanza region, which has traditionally backed the opposition leader, will shift its support to Ruto in the upcoming elections. This change follows Ruto’s co-opting of some ODM leaders into his administration.

    “Ni jukumu letu sisi sote tulinde serikali isimame, na tuunge mkono Mheshimiwa Rais Ruto aendelee kuongoza nchi hata baada ya next (2027) elections. Kule kwetu Siaya tukiamua, tumeamua na tumeamua tunashikana na Rais William Ruto,” he said.

    The Cabinet Secretary, who previously served as the Minority Leader in the National Assembly before his Cabinet appointment, asserted that Raila’s political support base has embraced the President and will therefore back his bid for another term.“Mimi ninaamini uhusiano wetu (wa kisiasa) utadumu kabisa beyond next (2027) elections. Sisi tumeshikana na Mheshimiwa Rais William Ruto kikamilifu. Si mambo ya kubaatisha. Sisi tuko ndani ya serikali na serikali iko imara,” he said.

    He praised the President’s move to form a broad-based government, emphasizing that it is beneficial for the country. Wandayi stated that President Ruto has noble intentions and a solid development plan for the nation, deserving of support from all Kenyans.

    “I was in the opposition. However, the country is more important than individuals or political parties. That is why, when President William Ruto invited me to join his government, I accepted without hesitation,” he said.

    “President William Ruto has created a government that includes every Kenyan and every community, enabling citizens to unite and work together for development,” he remarked during a tour of Kericho County.

    In addition to incorporating members of the opposition into his administration, President Ruto is also supporting former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.