CS Oparanya Clashes With Oburu Odinga, Threatens to Withdraw ODM Support in Western

CS Oparanya Clashes With Oburu Odinga, Threatens to Withdraw ODM Support in Western

Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has issued a sharp warning to the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), signalling a potential political fallout as divisions within the party continue to widen.

Speaking during a public address in Lugari, Kakamega County, on Friday, April 24, Oparanya criticised a faction within the party associated with Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, accusing it of sidelining leaders from the Western region in key decision-making processes.

“I want to tell those leaders of ODM, this time, do not take us for granted… if they do not respect us, we will quit,” Oparanya said.

The former ODM deputy party leader expressed frustration over what he described as a shift in the party’s leadership culture, contrasting the current state of affairs with the era under the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

According to Oparanya, Western Kenya leaders previously enjoyed recognition and influence within the party, but now feel increasingly marginalised.

“Raila respected us. Now, those leading ODM after him should also respect us,” he added.

Oparanya further argued that leaders from the Western region had played a critical role in building ODM into a national political force, and should therefore be included in discussions around strategy, coalition-building, and power-sharing.

He accused sections of the current leadership of prioritising political positioning within President William Ruto’s administration over grassroots engagement and party unity.

“They have forgotten the people of Western… we also want power. They should not think they are the only ones who want power,” Oparanya stated.

The CS warned that continued exclusion of the region could trigger a political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Western leaders potentially reconsidering their support for ODM.

His remarks come amid intensifying internal wrangles within the party, which have seen the emergence of rival factions pursuing different political strategies.

One of the most notable developments is the rise of the Linda Mwananchi movement, linked to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, which has been actively mobilising support at the grassroots level.

The movement is expected to hold a series of rallies in western Kenya, beginning in Vihiga before culminating in a major gathering in Kisumu, in what analysts view as a show of political strength and an attempt to consolidate support within ODM strongholds.

At the same time, another faction within ODM—often referred to as the Linda Ground group—has been associated with efforts to align more closely with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), fuelling speculation about a potential broad-based political arrangement ahead of the next election.

Oparanya’s criticism highlights growing unease among some ODM leaders over the direction of the party, particularly regarding its engagement with the ruling coalition and the distribution of political influence.

Analysts note that the Western region remains a critical voting bloc, and any shift in its political alignment could have significant implications for ODM’s electoral prospects.

They also point out that internal cohesion will be key for the party as it navigates coalition politics and prepares for the 2027 race.

While ODM has not issued an official response to Oparanya’s remarks, the comments underscore the challenges facing the party as it seeks to balance competing interests within its ranks.

As political temperatures continue to rise, the coming months are likely to test ODM’s ability to maintain unity while addressing concerns from influential regional leaders.

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CS Oparanya Clashes With Oburu Odinga, Threatens to Withdraw ODM Support in Western