The friction has reached a boiling point today as Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang launches a scathing attack on Siaya Governor James Orengo.
This move has signaled a deep ideological divide over the party’s future and its relationship with the current government.
At the heart of the dispute is the broad-based government arrangement. While one faction, seemingly aligned with Oburu Odinga, moves to consolidate the party's traditional base, another wing led by Orengo remains fiercely critical of any political cooperation before specific reform agendas are met.
The physical distance between the two groups this Sunday has perfectly illustrated the political gulf.
Today, Oburu Odinga led a team to Kisii, focusing on rebuilding the party’s grassroots structures and maintaining the Odinga family's legacy.
On the other hand Governor Orengo, Sifuna, Babu Owino and his allies held a service in Dagoretti North, where they have doubled down on their stance against premature coalitions.
Tom Kajwang’s criticism of Orengo isparticularly personal. He has taken an aim at Orengo’s "Senior Counsel" status, suggesting that professional titles and legal intellectualism shouldn't outweigh the familial and historical insights held by Oburu Odinga.
Kajwang’s argument is simple that Oburu understands the late party leader’s vision better than any council ever could.
Orengo, however, isn't backing down. He maintains that any discussion regarding coalitions is a lie until the 10-point reform agenda is fully implemented.
For his faction, the party’s integrity depends on holding the line rather than rushing into power-sharing deals.
As these two camps drift further apart, the ODM rank and file are left watching a messy transition.
Whether the party can bridge this gap between rebuilding and reforming remains to be seen, but for now, the gloves are officially off.
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