“QUIT IF YOU FEEL UNWELCOME”: ODM LOYALISTS TARGET DEFECTORS AMID IEBC FRICTION

ODM loyalists have intensified their criticism of party defectors as internal tensions grow, with political divisions unfolding alongside renewed friction over the IEBC and preparations for the 2027 General Election.

Watch Getembe TV Live

Broadcast Getembe TV Live Stream

Listen Getembe FM Live

Tune in to Getembe FM Live Broadcast

Fresh tensions are emerging within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as party loyalists push back against members seeking alternative political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The renewed political friction comes at a time when Kenya's political parties are increasingly positioning themselves for the next election, with party nominations, defections and possible coalition arrangements becoming major sources of disagreement.

ODM leader Oburu Odinga has previously told members unhappy with the party's direction to leave rather than challenge the party's internal processes. In February, Oburu dismissed claims of divisions within ODM and urged members aligned with the Linda Mwananchi faction to quit if they were dissatisfied.

Defections expose growing divisions

The hardening positions come as several politicians reconsider their political homes ahead of the 2027 elections.

The competition is particularly intense in areas traditionally associated with ODM, where the party is now facing growing competition from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and other political formations.

A recent report by The Star highlighted mounting tensions within the Ruto-ODM partnership over the allocation of parliamentary, Senate and gubernatorial seats. Politicians who fear losing nominations are increasingly considering running as independents or seeking tickets from rival parties.

The situation has created difficult choices for politicians who have spent years building political networks in their constituencies and are unwilling to surrender their ambitions because of agreements reached by party leaders.

IEBC also under pressure

The political tensions are unfolding alongside renewed scrutiny of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as parties prepare for the 2027 General Election.

Opposition leaders recently accused the electoral commission of sidelining them during stakeholder engagements on preparations for the polls. The leaders called for greater inclusivity and transparency in the electoral process.

At the same time, government-aligned leaders have defended the IEBC, urging politicians to respect its constitutional independence and warning against attempts to undermine public confidence in the electoral body.

The competing positions have added another layer of tension to an already highly charged political environment.

Battle for political space

The struggle within ODM reflects a broader battle for political space ahead of 2027. With parties negotiating coalition arrangements and possible seat-sharing deals, politicians are under increasing pressure to decide whether to remain loyal to their parties or pursue alternative political platforms.

The Ruto-ODM partnership has also complicated the political landscape, particularly in regions where ODM has historically enjoyed strong support but where UDA is seeking to expand its influence.

Political analysts and party officials will be watching closely to see whether the current disagreements lead to more defections, independent candidacies or fresh political alliances.

For now, the message from ODM loyalists appears increasingly direct: members who feel unwelcome or dissatisfied with the party should consider leaving rather than weakening it from within.

With the 2027 election approaching, however, such departures could have significant consequences for ODM's strength and its negotiating position within Kenya's evolving political alliances.