NAIROBI, Kenya — Tensions are rising within Kenya’s broad-based political arrangement after senior figures in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) accused their counterparts in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of disrespect and political provocation.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga on Friday urged President William Ruto to take action against what he described as errant members of his party.
“I’m in good relationship with the President, but he should discipline and talk to some of these high officials of his party,” he said while addressing clergy in Kisumu County.
Oburu dismissed reports that ODM had suspended engagement with UDA, clarifying that formal negotiations between the two parties had not yet begun.
“We cannot stop what has not started. Our negotiations with UDA have not started. We have not even formed the negotiating teams to put breaks on them,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing unease within ODM over political manoeuvres by UDA in regions considered traditional strongholds of the opposition party.
“We don’t want to compete with people whom we are going into partnership with called UDA. They are the only ones we don’t want to interfere,” Oburu added.
The latest friction follows comments by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, who criticised ODM Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, suggesting he should not secure a second term.
“Tutakuwa na mjadala na chama cha ODM…lakini mjadala ambao hatutakuwa nao ni kumpa Abdulswamad tikiti ya kurudi tena kama gavana wa hapa Mombasa. Kwa wa chama chochote, kwa msingi yoyote, Abdulswamad must go!”
Omar also appeared to take aim at Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho, who is reportedly positioning himself for higher office.
“Hatuna chuki na mtu, lakini sisi hatuwezi kuwa serikali tunamwondoa profesa kama Deputy President mtendakazi na kumpa mwapulani kwa sababu anafanana na sisi. Hiyo haiwezekani,” he sai.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi added: “Kila chama kina enzi yake, hapa Pwani kuna enzi chama cha ODM kilivuma sana, lakini enzi ile imepita.”
The political fallout has extended to ODM’s traditional bases, including Nyanza and the Coast, where party leaders have raised concerns over alleged attempts to weaken their influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga warned that the party would defend its political ground.
“Before anything else, we will defend the party, we will defend our people, we will defend our areas…we will make sure that our Parliamentary strength is not reduced even by an inch.”
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed echoed similar sentiments during a recent party convention.
“Mkileta mchezo, sisi pia tutaleta presidential candidate, watu wakutane kwa kiwanja.”
The unfolding tensions highlight the fragile nature of Kenya’s evolving political alignments, with both ODM and UDA navigating cooperation while competing for regional influence.
Analysts say the emerging rift reflects early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in vote-rich regions where alliances remain fluid and highly contested.
