Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai has launched a scathing attack on ODM leadership, accusing the party of internal disarray and self-interest as tensions escalate within the broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto.
In a statement, Alai dismissed ODM’s recent threats to exit the political union as insincere, arguing they are driven by personal interests of a few leaders rather than the party’s growth or national unity.
His remarks come amid growing friction between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with claims of intimidation and political maneuvering dominating the discourse.
Alai questioned ODM’s credibility as a coalition partner, pointing to what he described as deep divisions within the party.
According to him, the existence of multiple factions has weakened ODM’s bargaining power and undermined its ability to engage UDA on equal footing.
“How do you demand that UDA treats you as a serious partner when you have four factions within ODM?” he posed, adding that internal disunity has made it difficult for the party to present a unified political position.
He contrasted ODM’s situation with UDA’s approach to discipline, citing the removal of key figures at the first signs of dissent as evidence of a more structured party system.
In his view, ODM’s leadership has failed to assert similar control, leaving the party vulnerable to instability.
The MCA also raised concerns about what he termed a leadership vacuum following the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga, suggesting that the current leadership has struggled to maintain cohesion.
He singled out Oburu Odinga, stating that efforts to steady the party have faced significant challenges months after the transition.
Alai further accused ODM leaders of sidelining grassroots members and ignoring internal concerns.
He argued that frustrations within the party rank and file have contributed to the ongoing tensions, warning that failure to address these grievances could deepen divisions.
“This is simply extortion,” Alai said, insisting that ODM leaders should focus on fixing internal weaknesses instead of shifting blame to UDA or President Ruto.
His remarks sharply diverge from recent statements by ODM figures, including Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, who has accused elements within government of undermining the party by targeting its MPs and restricting engagement with state officials.
The contrasting positions highlight a widening rift not only between ODM and UDA but also within ODM itself, as competing narratives emerge over the future of the political arrangement.