Fresh divisions have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai launched a scathing attack on the party’s leadership, hours after it demanded respect from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
ODM had, following its Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting on Thursday, accused UDA of political disregard and called for mutual respect in their working relationship.
However, Alai has dismissed the party’s position as hypocritical, arguing that ODM must first address its internal governance failures.
In a statement, Alai claimed the CMC meeting did not focus on the issues highlighted in the official communication, alleging instead that a significant portion of the discussions revolved around personal differences involving a senior party figure.
“The meeting was not about what was communicated. Four out of six hours were spent discussing one individual the party chairman reportedly dislikes,” Alai stated, raising concerns over what he termed as personalised politics within the party’s top leadership.
At the centre of his criticism is the continued stay in office of ODM National Youth Leader John Antira Ketora, whom Alai says no longer qualifies to hold the position under the law.
He pointed to Article 260 of the Constitution of Kenya, which defines youth as persons aged between 18 and 35 years.
According to Alai, Ketora, born in August 1984, ceased to qualify as a youth in 2019 but has remained in office for six years without challenge from the party.
“How can ODM demand respect from UDA when it does not respect its own Constitution?” he posed.
The MCA further questioned the party’s commitment to internal democracy, particularly after the CMC announced plans to conduct youth conventions in 25 counties.
He challenged the legitimacy of the planned exercises, arguing they risk being led by an individual who does not meet the constitutional threshold for youth leadership.
“What message does this send to millions of young members in the party?” he asked.
Alai also revealed that he had formally raised the matter with ODM leadership in November 2025, demanding that the youth leader position be declared vacant and fresh elections conducted within 60 days.
He said the complaint, which was copied to senior party officials, has gone unanswered for five months.
“Silence. Total silence. And yet the same party expects UDA to respond to its concerns,” he stated.
The outspoken MCA further linked the issue to what he described as selective enforcement of discipline within ODM, referencing ongoing concerns surrounding Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
While supporting calls for disciplinary action against Sifuna, Alai argued that the party lacks moral authority to enforce discipline when it allegedly tolerates constitutional violations internally.
“This is not discipline. This is selective justice,” he said.
Alai’s remarks come at a time when ODM is attempting to recalibrate its political stance amid shifting alliances and growing pressure ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party has maintained that its cooperation with UDA must be anchored on mutual respect and structured engagement.
However, the MCA’s criticism exposes deep-seated tensions within the party, potentially undermining its public posture and unity.
ODM leadership has yet to respond to Alai’s claims, but political observers note that the dispute highlights broader challenges facing the party, including generational representation, internal accountability, and cohesion.