Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has issued an ultimatum to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), threatening to leave the party if it continues its alliance with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He set March 9, 2026, as his deadline, warning that his departure could reshape Kenyan politics. The threat highlights deepening internal divisions in ODM following Raila Odinga's death.
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has warned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that continuing its alliance with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) could turn the party into a regional outfit confined to Nyanza, much like the decline of the Kenya African National Union (KANU). Speaking on January 1, 2026, Amisi set a deadline of March 9, 2026, declaring, "If ODM is still propagating the Ruto shenanigans, then I am going to make an announcement that is going to shape Kenyan politics and destroy William Ruto into pieces."
The tensions have escalated since the death of former ODM leader Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, splitting the party between pro-government and opposition factions. Newly appointed party leader Oburu Oginga has signaled his intent to run for president in 2027 if ODM opts for a solo campaign, as per the party's constitution. In remarks on December 31, 2025, Oburu stated, "If we are going it alone, I want to make it absolutely clear that our constitution already has a presidential candidate. That presidential candidate is none other than the party leader."
He added that ODM would decide by the end of 2026 whether to pursue a coalition or go alone, contingent on UDA honoring the 10-point working agenda and the memorandum of understanding signed in February 2025. Amisi has criticized the pro-government wing led by Oburu, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, warning, "Once a party loses its identity and vibrance, reviving it becomes extremely difficult."
Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya expressed willingness to leave ODM on December 30, 2025, to unite the Western region. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have also voiced frustrations, arguing the alliance undermines accountability. Amisi dismissed the broader United Opposition coalition as ineffective, emphasizing the need for structural alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections. Oburu dismissed claims of party divisions or sales as baseless.
