A fresh political storm is brewing within President William Ruto’s broad-based government after ODM signaled it could withdraw from the arrangement, citing growing mistrust and alleged intimidation of its members.
Quoted by that Standard on Monday, Minority Leader Junet Mohammed warned that ODM has “options” if the current political union collapses.
His remarks point to deepening cracks in the alliance between President Ruto’s camp and the Orange Democratic Movement, an arrangement initially framed as a move to foster national unity.
Junet accused a powerful faction within government of orchestrating efforts to weaken ODM from within.
He claimed that some individuals are coercing ODM Members of Parliament to defect to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), while also warning Cabinet Secretaries against engaging with the opposition party.
“We are not in this union by mistake or by invitation. We joined to foster unity, and if this agenda is no longer needed, we should be told,” Junet said. “If they feel they are now on safer ground, we can let them form their own government in 2027.”
The remarks suggest a potential fallout that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next General Election.
ODM’s participation in the broad-based framework has been viewed as a stabilizing factor in a politically polarized environment, but rising tensions now threaten that balance.
Political analysts say the dispute reflects underlying competition for influence within government, particularly as parties position themselves for 2027.
The alleged attempts to isolate ODM leaders and absorb its legislators into UDA could further strain relations.