Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has cautioned leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction against forming a new political party, warning that such a move could split the opposition and ultimately strengthen President William Ruto politically.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday, Natembeya said the opposition must remain united instead of creating new political formations that could divide votes during elections.
“My personal view, and that will be, is that it’s a disaster. The opposition, which should be united, risks weakening itself if a faction branches off to form another wing. They will reduce our votes and inadvertently help Ruto secure yet another term. So for me, I strongly discourage that kind of direction,” he said.
Natembeya noted that the Orange Democratic Movement currently appears divided, with one group supporting participation in the broad-based government while another faction is opposed to the arrangement.
He said the party would have been better positioned politically if it had exited the broad-based government and returned fully to the opposition to maintain unity and influence when seeking votes.
“We are simply observing. Ideally, we would have wished that ODM exits the broad-based government and comes back to us, because we are united when looking for votes. The arrangement where the late Raila Odinga joined the government, some of it was not supported, and people are now expressing views similar to ours,” he said.
The governor also clarified that he is not part of the Linda Mwananchi faction and has not taken part in any of its activities, describing the disagreements within ODM as internal party matters.
“I am not part of the Linda Mwananchi faction, nor have I attended any of their events. This is an internal ODM issue, and for those of us who remain in Azimio, we are essentially innocent bystanders, observing how events are unfolding,” he said.
The Linda Mwananchi faction is linked to several ODM leaders including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Nyamira Senator Erick Okong’o Mogeni.
Other members of the group in the National Assembly include Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga.
