Some ODM stalwarts have dismissed claims that the party will disintegrate should their leader Raila Odinga leave for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Raila is seeking the continent’s top position and should he succeed, he will be forced to abandon local political activities for the continental role.
His possible exit has caused some jittery in the party as his two deputies Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya eye to succeed him.
The silent succession battle is perceived as likely to disintegrate the party.
On Friday, leaders Joho, the party chairman John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Senate Minority Leader Steward Madzayo, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nasir said ODM is and will remain intact.
Joho said they are focused on strengthening the party by registering members in readiness for the 2027 general election.
Joho termed those who are spreading the allegations of sibling rivalry in ODM as enemies of the party.
“ODM leaders are focused on unity and strengthening the party under Raila. We’ll not fall for our detractors’ propaganda to split the party,” Joho said.
They spoke when they toured Homa Bay town on Friday.
They also went to Kendu Bay town and Simbi village in Karachuonyo constituency before holding a mega rally in Oyugis town.
Joho urged residents to register as members to continue making Homa Bay County the party stronghold.
“We’re putting modalities in place to ensure ODM forms the next government in 2027. Let’s register as largely as possible to make the party strong,” he added.
Even though he did not mention their presidential candidate, Joho expressed optimism that the ODM candidate will defeat President William in the 2027 polls.
“Our opponents have taken us for a ride for long but this will not repeat itself,” Joho said.
Wanga said the ODM party was not meant to be in the opposition forever.
The governor said the time had come for everyone to reckon with ODM’s force as a party that can form a government.
“There is no Kenyan law which stipulates that ODM must always be in the opposition. Our opponents must know that we will form the government in 2027,” Wanga said.
Mbadi argued that Odinga’s expected exit to the AUC should not be used by enemies of ODM to spread political propaganda against the party.
He said Raila will still play a crucial role in advising them on important decisions the party will make if he exits to the AUC.
“Our prayer to Raila is for him to succeed in his AUC bid. But I know he will still be instrumental in the party,” Mbadi said.
Kajwang told ODM opponents to stop thinking that Raila’s planned exit to AUC would cause a political vacuum in ODM.
He said ODM has a well-laid leadership structure that is managing the party.
“There is no leadership vacuum in ODM. There is a very well-stipulated leadership structure under Raila,” Kajwang said.
He said they will not allow their opponents to penetrate their strongholds.
“Our strongholds will remain intact as we work towards forming the next government,” Kajwang said.
Nasir urged ODM members to guard their strongholds to prevent infiltration of other parties.
“ODM is a strong political party and let’s continue maintaining its vigour,” Nasir said.
MPs Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul), Eve Obara (Kabondo Kisipul), Lilian Gogo (Rangwe), Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Joyce Osogo (Homa Bay) urged residents to register for ODM membership.
The rally was attended by more than 20 MPs and MCAs.
