ODM in Turmoil as Saitabao Ole Kanchory Accuses Ruto of Orchestrating Oburu Odinga's Rise

A fresh storm has erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following explosive remarks by political commentator and analyst Saitabao Ole Kanchory, who has questioned the legitimacy of Dr. Oburu Oginga’s appointment as ODM party leader.

Kanchory alleged that President William Ruto played a direct role in influencing what he described as an irregular, illegal, and hurried process meant to install a negotiator favourable to the ruling administration.

According to Kanchory, the manner in which Oburu Oginga assumed the ODM leadership position has raised serious constitutional and procedural concerns within the party.

He argued that ODM’s internal democratic structures were bypassed, leaving many party loyalists feeling sidelined and disenfranchised.

The rushed appointment, he claimed, was not accidental but politically calculated to weaken ODM’s bargaining power at a time when negotiations with the government are shaping Kenya’s political direction ahead of 2027.

Kanchory further alleged that President Ruto’s interest lies in dealing with a pliable opposition leadership that would be less confrontational and more accommodating to the ruling coalition’s agenda.

In his view, installing a “weak negotiator” undermines ODM’s historical identity as a robust opposition movement and risks turning it into a satellite of the government rather than an independent political force.

The remarks have reignited long-simmering tensions within ODM, especially among factions opposed to the party’s perceived closeness to the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Instead, the controversy has exposed deep fractures, with some members openly questioning whether ODM is gradually losing its oppositional edge.

Kanchory went further to call on Dr. Oburu Oginga to “do the honourable thing” and step down, arguing that the circumstances surrounding his appointment have compromised his moral authority to lead the party.

He warned that unless the issue is addressed decisively, ODM risks alienating its base, particularly supporters who have historically viewed the party as a vehicle for resistance politics and democratic reform.

Supporters of Oburu Oginga, however, insist that his leadership is lawful and necessary for stability during a sensitive transition period following Raila Odinga’s reduced frontline political role.

They argued that ODM needs continuity, internal calm, and strategic engagement rather than prolonged infighting.