Escalating divisions in Kenya's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) now point to alleged involvement by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto, amid ongoing internal wrangles that began with disputes over election funds and a violent incident earlier this year.
The internal strife within ODM, which erupted in late 2025 and early 2026 with clashes between Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed over 2022 election funds donated by Uhuru Kenyatta—funds Junet claims went to Muhoho Kenyatta—and a January 3, 2026, altercation at a Kilimani restaurant involving MPs Babu Owino and MCA Robert Alai, has taken a sharper turn.
Recent reports accuse both Uhuru Kenyatta and President Ruto of meddling in the party's affairs, implicating figures like Dr. Oburu Oginga, Sifuna, the National Executive Council (NEC), James Orengo, and UDA. These claims suggest external influences are exacerbating the splits, affecting ODM's structure and support for the inclusive government.
ODM MPs had previously urged Oburu Oginga to intervene following his December 2025 unity plea, but tensions persist, raising concerns ahead of the 2027 elections. Specific details of the new accusations remain unclear, but they highlight deepening opposition fractures.
