ODM Wants UDA To Respect Them, Says Insults Against Its Members Have Reached Their Throats

• ODM raised concerns about the UDA leaders’ remarks, warning that they could disrupt the fragile partnership between the two parties
• Acting General Secretary Catherine Omanyo said the remarks risked causing concern among party supporters and called for mutual respect
• The crisis is linked to growing tensions over the proposed redistribution of territories ahead of the 2027 General Election, a demand that some ODM leaders insist is non-negotiable.

A new political storm is brewing as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) cautions against the remarks of the leaders of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), warning that they could undermine the alliance.

ODM has strongly objected to what it called provocative statements from members of the UDA, its broad ally, amid growing disagreement over plans for the distribution of electoral areas.

Addressing journalists after the Central Committee meeting on Thursday, April 16, Acting General Secretary Catherine Omanyo expressed concern about the comments made by some senior UDA officials.

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Why is ODM not happy with some UDA officials?

He warned that such remarks risk upsetting ODM supporters at a sensitive time when the working relationship between the two parties remains under scrutiny.

“Regarding our relationship with our wider partners, the UDA, the central committee notes with concern what is going on with the inappropriate public statements from some senior officials of the UDA party,” Omanyo said.

He added that the tone and content of those statements could cause concern among ODM members, stressing that mutual respect must lead to cooperation between the two political parties.

“These statements are aimed at causing anxiety and worry among our members. As a party that believes in its principles, ideology and the foundation on which it was founded, we need respect from the UDA party,” he added.

The growing tension is largely linked to the ongoing debates over regionalization plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Does ODM defend the distribution of areas in their collaboration with UDA?

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A group within ODM, led by the governor of Homa Bay Gladys Wangaadvocates decentralization as a necessary condition in any political dialogue. The proposal aims to reduce competition in ODM’s perceived strongholds by discouraging other parties, including the UDA, from fielding candidates in those areas.

Speaking at a recent public meeting in Homa Bay, Wanga emphasized that the distribution of territories remains a firm and non-negotiable demand in negotiations with the administration of Kenya First.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from the UDA leadership. Secretary General Hassan Omar initially rejected the idea, insisting that every political party has the constitutional freedom to present candidates in any part of the country.

What did ODM say about fuel prices in Kenya?

Beyond the political tension, Omanyo also spoke about the growing public concern about rising fuel costs, an issue that continues to burden households across the country.

While admitting that the increase is linked to the pressure of the international market, he urged the government to increase measures to reduce the burden on citizens.

“Kenyans are worried about the oil price. We know this is an international problem. While noting the government’s efforts to reduce the situation, we continue to push it to do more to reduce the effects of the crisis,” he said.

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Has ODM stopped the coalition talks with UDA?

In a related incident, alliance talks between UDA and ODM have reportedly been suspended after a high-level meeting of ODM decided to end the talks.

According to Daily NationODM’s Central Management Committee chose to focus on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections, amid growing tension within the wider government. The meeting, chaired by Oburu Oginga, was reported to be violent as senior members accused unnamed actors of trying to undermine the party.

The publication added that since then ODM has instructed its members to stop campaigning for re-election Rutowhile Gladys Wanga and Simba Arati were tasked with finding urgent talks to deal with the conflict.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke