By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 2 February 2026 - Kenya’s political chessboard is heating up, and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) finds itself at the centre of a storm.
The party is grappling with internal tensions over its next move, as Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi and Interim Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga clash — at least rhetorically — over engagement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Osotsi has emerged as the most vocal critic of Oburu’s leadership style.
The Vihiga Senator is sounding the alarm on what he describes as a rigid approach that sidelines senior party voices.
“I have no problem with our party leader Oburu Odinga, but he should also listen to the views of other party officials. Even Raila Odinga listened to every voice in the party,” Osotsi declared, invoking the late Raila Odinga’s legacy of inclusive leadership.
Beyond leadership style, Osotsi is warning of strategic missteps.
He cautioned ODM against rushing into any coalition with UDA, arguing that hasty deals could leave the party short-changed.
“Let us not be in a hurry to join the UDA of President William Ruto. Ruto may short-change us and make another coalition with another camp,” he warned, raising red flags over what he views as an aggressive infiltration of ODM by UDA operatives.
But Oburu Odinga is not taking the criticism lying down.
Speaking at the NYOTA youth empowerment event in Kisumu — an event graced by President Ruto himself — Oburu mounted a full-scale defense of the party’s engagement strategy.
He insisted that ODM is not negotiating positions or jobs but issues that matter to ordinary Kenyans.
“Let me make it very clear … ODM is not after anyone’s job. Your position as Deputy President is intact. We are negotiating what benefits our people,” he said, countering suggestions that the party is eyeing UDA offices or undermining leaders like Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
More from Kenya
Oburu framed the talks as a pragmatic, forward-looking strategy. With elections less than two years away, he argued, the party cannot afford to leave opportunities to chance. The aim, he insisted, is to secure tangible benefits for ODM supporters and ensure the party commands a stronger share of power than it previously held under broad-based government arrangements.
Adding another twist to the drama, President William Ruto has signaled that his hands are open for dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation.
The UDA National Executive Committee has mandated him to spearhead talks with ODM, emphasising political inclusivity and national unity. Ruto has framed these engagements as a win-win: strengthening cooperation without threatening positions or political identities.
“There is enough for every Kenyan. One does not need to miss for the other one to get,” he said, positioning himself as a unifying figure amid the growing political heat.
The stage is set for a high-stakes political maneuver. Internally, ODM must reconcile the calls for inclusivity and caution from leaders like Osotsi with the strategic vision and assertive negotiations championed by Oburu.
Externally, Ruto’s open-handed approach provides both opportunity and risk — offering a chance for collaboration while testing ODM’s unity and resolve.
At stake is more than a coalition. ODM faces a defining moment: Can it navigate the delicate dance between internal cohesion, party identity, and national-level diplomacy? Or will internal rifts and a hasty alliance with UDA dilute its legacy and bargaining power?
As the political drama unfolds, one thing is clear: Kenyan politics is never dull, and ODM’s next moves could set the tone for the 2027 elections.
The game is on, the players are visible, and the stakes could not be higher.
ODM at a Crossroads: Osotsi’s Warning, Oburu’s Defense and Ruto’s Open-Handed Gambit
Osotsi urges caution as Oburu insists ODM-UDA talks revolve around benefits to Kenyans
