A group of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of Parliament has raised concern over escalating political intolerance and violence in the country, warning that Kenya risks sliding into chaos ahead of the 2027 General Election if urgent action is not taken.
Addressing a press conference at the Parliament buildings on Monday the MPs led by Otiende Amollo (Rarieda) said the lawmakers are still mourning the death of long-time party leader Raila Odinga, describing his passing two months ago as a heavy blow to the party and the nation.
The MPs noted that despite the loss, the party remains committed to the principles Raila championed.
"We continue to mourn the passing of our party leader, Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed on about two months ago. We know that his death impacted us gravely, but we still soldier on, holding on to the principles that he taught us over the years and that he exemplified in his life, including the principles of inclusion, tolerance, democracy, and unity.’’ Otiende said.
The MPs expressed alarm over what they termed as dangerous political rhetoric increasingly degenerating into violence, citing the recent incidents, including the physical attack on Lamu County Woman Representative Muthoni Marubu in Murang’a while expressing her views on the 2027 presidential race.
They also referenced reports that Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai allegedly threatened Embakasi East MP Babu Owino over political differences.
“Hon. Muthoni Marubu was physically attacked for expressing her opinion on the 2027 presidential contest. We have also been informed of an incident where Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai is alleged to have attacked and threatened to shoot Embakasi East MP, Hon. Babu Owino, due to different political views,’’ Otiende said.
The statement further linked these incidents to violence witnessed during recent by-elections, particularly in Kasipul Constituency, where two people were killed.
The lawmakers warned that unless the trend is addressed decisively, the 2027 elections could be marred by widespread violence and be an obstacle to the democratic process.
“These incidents follow hot on the heels of the violence that was witnessed in the recent by-elections, especially in Kasipul Constituency, where, unfortunately, two people were killed. Unless urgent action is taken to stem this emerging and unfortunate incident, 2027 will be rocked by untold violence that is likely to undermine free and fair elections,’’ said the MPs.
Turning inward, the legislators acknowledged growing divisions within ODM, describing the situation as “self-cannibalization” that reflects the absence of Raila Odinga’s unifying leadership, cautioning that if unchecked, the infighting risks weakening the party at a critical time.
The ODM vocalists have called on ODM’s elected leadership and members to uphold unity and restraint, urging party officials, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, to avoid public confrontations and resolve differences through internal dialogue.
‘’It is time to walk back on the rhetoric and come together to build a strong party ahead of next year’s elections. Given the positions of trust bestowed on them, we urge the party officials, like Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, to desist from public verbal slurs and return to the table for internal discussions. We encourage the party leader to call for an internal “spitting session” to avoid the ongoing mud-fest,'' Otiende added.
Additionally, the lawmakers warned that smaller political parties are taking advantage of ODM’s internal wrangles to occupy political ground traditionally held by the party. They appealed to ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga to urgently convene party organs to restore confidence and prevent an exodus of members.
‘’It is for this reason that we request our party leader, Dr Oburu Odinga, to move with speed, convene the party’s organs, and help restore public confidence in the party before we begin to hemorrhage members to insignificant political formations. The current intolerance does not augur well for a revolutionary movement that Rt Hon Raila Odinga founded on the ideals of democracy, free speech, and justice,’’ he concluded.
The statement was signed by Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Nyatike MP Tom Odege, nominated MP Catherine Muma, Turkana South MP John Ariko, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor.
