A politician just told his own party's critics to quit and start their own thing. Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo defended the Orange Democratic Movement's decision to stay inside President William Ruto's government, directly challenging internal opponents like Governor James Orengo, Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. Odhiambo argued the party's leadership had already strategically chosen to collaborate with the Kenya Kwanza administration, claiming only a small faction was opposing this move for personal gain. He dismissed Orengo's warning that an alliance would reduce ODM to a regional outfit, instead insisting the partnership was focused on delivering development projects before the next election.
Odhiambo specifically countered Orengo's historical stance by referencing a past Memorandum of Understanding from the Kibaki era that he said failed citizens. He expressed confidence that key road projects in Kisumu, Siaya, and Busia counties would be finished, framing government participation as a path to national progress akin to Singapore's development. The MP suggested the handful of dissenting members were misleading the public about ODM's independence while the majority worked within the administration. His solution for the disagreeing minority was blunt: they should form a new political party if they are uncomfortable.
Looking beyond the immediate rift, Odhiambo proposed a future national dialogue on constitutional changes, including a potential referendum after the next election to create positions like Prime Minister. He positioned this as a necessary step for unity and inclusive governance, separating the current pragmatic government involvement from longer-term structural political reforms.
Odhiambo specifically countered Orengo's historical stance by referencing a past Memorandum of Understanding from the Kibaki era that he said failed citizens. He expressed confidence that key road projects in Kisumu, Siaya, and Busia counties would be finished, framing government participation as a path to national progress akin to Singapore's development. The MP suggested the handful of dissenting members were misleading the public about ODM's independence while the majority worked within the administration. His solution for the disagreeing minority was blunt: they should form a new political party if they are uncomfortable.
Looking beyond the immediate rift, Odhiambo proposed a future national dialogue on constitutional changes, including a potential referendum after the next election to create positions like Prime Minister. He positioned this as a necessary step for unity and inclusive governance, separating the current pragmatic government involvement from longer-term structural political reforms.
