Divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have deepened after a group calling itself G8 condemned party leader Oburu Oginga for actions stirring splits. Led by Minister Wycliffe Oparanya, the faction criticized Oginga's side for prioritizing personal interests. G8 leaders warned of forming another group if the Kakamega branch dispute remains unresolved.
Divisions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) continue to widen, particularly in the Kakamega branch, where the G8 faction has publicly condemned Dr. Oburu Oginga and his deputy Simba Arati. The event unfolded during a Uwezo and Hustle Fund disbursement in Shinyalu, Kakamega County, on Friday. Cooperatives Minister Wycliffe Oparanya, G8's leader and former Kakamega governor, expressed sorrow over leaders' actions that undermine the legacy of the late Raila Odinga instead of fostering unity.
Oparanya stated, “Greed for money has ruined leaders. A leader goes around saying different things; his head is confused. What you're seeing now didn't exist when Odinga was alive.” He added that Raila recommended him for the ministerial post and supported ODM's cooperation with President William Ruto for national benefits.
The G8 group, including Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega Women Representative), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari MP), Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Emanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), and Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), accused Oparanya of organizing a parallel meeting to ODM's official one in Butere last week. Nabwera remarked, “I want to tell Oburu Oginga three things: we were very loyal to Raila Odinga... You can't insult a father in his own home.” Muhanda warned Arati, “Don't come to Kakamega to insult Mr. Oparanya. If you insult Oparanya, you've insulted the people of Kakamega.”
In response, Dr. Oginga acknowledged confusion over the two parallel meetings, noting invitations from different factions. Arati urged Ruto to discipline Oparanya for stirring divisions, saying, “This is your dog we gave you. He must be told to make Kakamega better with Governor Barasa.” G8 leaders pledged support for Ruto in 2027 and proposed Oparanya as deputy president, threatening to form another group if Oginga fails to resolve the dispute.
This highlights vulnerabilities that could weaken ODM at a critical time, especially post-coalition with the government.