By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 6 January 2026 - Senate Minority Leader and Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to urgently address its internal disagreements through dialogue, warning that unchecked infighting could weaken the party and undermine the legacy of its late leader, Raila Odinga.
Speaking to the press in Nairobi, Madzayo said the growing public spats within ODM risk damaging the party’s image and cohesion at a critical time, barely three months after Odinga’s death.
“Unless urgent action is taken, we risk heading into 2027 with heightened tensions, intolerance and violence that could undermine free and fair elections,” he warned.
Madzayo said the disputes threaten to erode the foundation Odinga built over more than two decades, describing the veteran leader as a firm believer in debate who nevertheless drew clear lines to protect party unity.
“ODM is bigger than any individual. Baba Raila supported dissent and debate, but he never allowed disagreement to break the party. We owe him the respect of maintaining the culture of dialogue and internal resolution he built,” he said.
The Kilifi Senator expressed concern that public exchanges, especially among senior party officials, are steadily eroding public trust and weakening ODM’s dominance in key regions. He cautioned that such behaviour creates room for intolerance and could spill into political violence if left unchecked.
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He urged party members to air grievances through established party structures rather than resorting to expulsions, insults or threats, saying confrontation was not a solution.
“Unchecked public exchanges, mudslinging and verbal slurs are weakening cohesion and creating space for violence. The greatest honour we can give Baba Raila is to protect his legacy, not tear it down,” Madzayo said.
Madzayo called on ODM to strengthen its internal organs, enforce discipline and recommit to internal democracy to preserve its standing as a progressive and inclusive political movement.
“ODM was never built to silence voices. It has the widest national footprint, the deepest grassroots structures, and the most consistent electoral base across multiple regions. When ODM speaks, the country listens, and when it stumbles, the impact is felt nationally. That stature comes with responsibility,” he said.
He concluded by urging party members to embrace open, honest and mature engagement, saying constructive dialogue would help ODM remain united, strengthen its national influence and safeguard Kenya’s democratic process.
