The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has intensified its strategy to deal with perceived fence-sitters and rebel leaders by undermining their political influence. This move comes as the party insists on loyalty and free and fair nominations ahead of the 2027 General Election. With ODM's focus on zoning in its strongholds as part of its cooperation with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), some leaders who were previously in the ruling party are moving to ODM. Others who had contested elections as independent candidates are also joining the party.
In Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja's cooperation with ODM and his eventual decision to join the party have complicated the political fortunes of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. The fiery legislator has since joined the Mwananchi Party, which he intends to use for his gubernatorial bid. Sakaja defended his decision to join ODM, saying he had not come to occupy anyone's space but to claim his rightful position. Owino had accused the party leadership of favouring Sakaja and planning to award him its ticket.
The recent wave of defections to ODM has put fence-sitters and rebel leaders on the spot. Party leader Dr Oburu Oginga continues to demand utmost loyalty from members. In Suba North, MP Millie Odhiambo faces an uphill political task after her opponent, Silas Jakakimba, rejoined ODM from UDA. Jakakimba has been reaching out to supporters in the constituency under the slogan 'Diet nyaka loki' (the diet must change). He received a rousing welcome from a section of his supporters as he insisted he was the best candidate to represent them.
In neighbouring Suba South Constituency, MP Caroli Omondi has ditched ODM, while his key opponent in the 2022 General Election, Stephen Sangira, has joined the party. Sangira announced that he will contest on an ODM ticket, citing his previous performance as an independent candidate. In the 2022 elections, Omondi secured 25,805 votes against Sangira's 14,396. President William Ruto introduced Sangira in many of his stopovers during a visit to the constituency in September.
ODM has welcomed former Embakasi West MP George Theuri as it seeks to challenge incumbent legislator Mark Mwenje of Jubilee. In 2022, ODM agreed not to field a candidate in the constituency, where it enjoys considerable support, and allowed Jubilee's Mwenje to contest under a negotiated arrangement. Mwenje has since moved to Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which he intends to use to defend his seat.
In Kitutu Chache South Constituency, MP Anthony Kibagendi has ditched ODM and joined the political camp of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i. ODM has unveiled another candidate, academician Dr Andrew Maubi, who is being touted as a potential challenger to Kibagendi. Acting ODM party leader Simba Arati welcomed Maubi into the party on Wednesday.
Odhiambo has served as the Suba North MP since 2013 and has been at odds with sections of the party over her shifting political positions. She was heckled in September when President Ruto met Nyanza leaders in Kisumu. Odhiambo maintained her position on key issues of the party despite the backlash. Jakakimba and Odhiambo are expected to battle for the ODM nomination slot.
Key points
- ODM's strategy to undermine fence-sitters and rebels has put leaders on the spot ahead of the 2027 General Election
- Governor Johnson Sakaja's decision to join ODM has complicated the political fortunes of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino
- ODM has welcomed new members, including former Embakasi West MP George Theuri and academician Dr Andrew Maubi
