ODM MPs Call for Calm and Cohesion Amid Rising Political Tensions
A group of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of Parliament has raised alarm over what they describe as escalating political intolerance and violence, warning that unless urgent corrective action is taken, the country risks heading into a volatile 2027 election cycle.
In a joint statement dated January 5, 2026, the MPs said the death of longtime party leader Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, two months ago, had left a leadership vacuum that is now being felt both within the party and in the wider political environment.
The legislators said they continue to mourn Odinga’s passing, describing him as a unifying figure whose leadership was anchored on inclusion, tolerance, democracy, and national unity.
They noted that while his absence has been deeply felt, the principles he stood for must continue to guide the party and the country.
The MPs expressed particular concern over a recent rise in politically motivated confrontations and violence.
They cited the physical attack on Lamu County Woman Representative Hon. Muthoni Marubu in Murang’a after she expressed her views on the 2027 presidential race, as well as an alleged altercation involving Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Hon. Babu Owino, reportedly stemming from political disagreements.
They also pointed to violence witnessed during recent by-elections, especially in Kasipul Constituency, where two people were killed, describing these incidents as warning signs of a dangerous trajectory.
“Unless urgent action is taken to stem this emerging pattern, the 2027 elections risk being rocked by violence that could undermine the credibility of the democratic process,” the statement warned.
Turning inward, the MPs said ODM itself is facing a moment of reckoning.
As the country’s largest political party, they argued, ODM cannot afford what they termed “self-cannibalization” driven by public infighting and divisive rhetoric among its leaders.
They said the recent public exchanges within the party highlight the absence of Odinga’s steady hand and called on ODM’s elected leadership and membership to return to the values of unity and internal dialogue that defined the party under his leadership.
In particular, the MPs urged party officials, including Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, to avoid public verbal confrontations and instead resolve differences through internal party mechanisms.
They proposed the convening of an internal reconciliation forum to cool tensions and restore cohesion.
The MPs further warned that ongoing internal disputes risk weakening ODM’s standing nationally, noting that smaller political parties are already moving to occupy political space traditionally held by ODM.
They called on ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga to urgently convene party organs to stabilize the party, rebuild public confidence, and prevent further erosion of its support base.
“The current intolerance does not reflect the revolutionary movement that Raila Odinga founded on democracy, free speech, and justice,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by MPs Otiende Amolo (Rarieda), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Tom Odege (Nyatike), Catherine Muma (Nominated), John Ariko (Turkana South), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), and Aduma Owuor (Nyakach).