Junet Accuses Uhuru Kenyatta of Fueling ODM Wrangles

Junet Accuses Uhuru Kenyatta of Fueling ODM Wrangles

Minority Leader in the National Assembly Junet Mohamed has publicly accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of interfering in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), alleging that the retired Head of State is behind the internal wrangles rocking the party.

Speaking in Lamu County on Thursday, February 12, the Suna East MP claimed that ODM’s current instability is not linked to its stance on the broad-based government or President William Ruto, but rather to external influence from Kenyatta.

“As you have seen since Raila left us, there have been wrangles within our party. The problem we have in ODM is not about the broad-based government or President William Ruto. The problem we have is that former president Uhuru Kenyatta. He is the one destroying our party,” Junet stated.

He further urged the former president to concentrate on rebuilding his Jubilee Party instead of engaging in ODM affairs.

“Let Uhuru focus on his Jubilee Party and leave ODM alone,” he added.

Junet’s remarks appeared to counter sentiments expressed by Siaya Governor James Orengo, who had previously suggested that President Ruto was responsible for divisions within the Orange Party. The exchange highlights deepening cracks in ODM following a series of leadership disputes that have intensified in recent months.

The party has faced mounting challenges since the death of its long-time leader, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October 2025. Raila’s passing marked the end of an era for ODM, leaving a leadership vacuum that has since triggered factional competition.

Tensions escalated further in February 2026, culminating in the controversial ouster of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on Wednesday, February 11. However, the High Court intervened a day later, issuing orders temporarily blocking his removal pending the determination of a case challenging the decision.

The court’s move has effectively frozen the leadership changes and underscored the legal and political complexity surrounding the party’s internal disputes.

Political analysts observe that ODM is currently split into two main factions. One wing is reportedly inclined toward supporting President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 under a broad-based governance approach, while the opposing faction insists the party should maintain independence and field its own presidential candidate.

Junet’s criticism of Kenyatta also follows his own removal as Secretary General of the Azimio coalition earlier in February. The changes were announced after a coalition meeting chaired by Kenyatta, who serves as Azimio’s chairperson. Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was subsequently appointed to replace him.

While Junet did not directly link his ouster to his latest claims, the political timing has drawn attention from observers who see the unfolding developments as part of a broader power struggle within opposition politics.

Kenyatta has yet to respond publicly to Junet’s allegations.

ODM remains one of Kenya’s most influential political parties, having played a central role in opposition politics for nearly two decades. The ongoing disputes, however, raise questions about its unity and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

As legal battles continue and factions solidify their positions, the future trajectory of the Orange Party may significantly shape the country’s political landscape in the coming years.

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Junet Accuses Uhuru Kenyatta of Fueling ODM Wrangles