Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has publicly declared the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politically dead, accusing the party of abandoning its founding principles and betraying the Kenyan people.
Speaking on Spice FM on July 28, 2026, Omondi argued that ODM no longer represents its members' aspirations and has been reduced to a mere name without substance. He emphasized that a political party's identity lies in its values, agenda, and manifesto, all of which he claims ODM has forsaken.
Allegations of State Influence Within ODM
Omondi traced the party's decline over the past decade, highlighting internal challenges and a shift away from its original vision. He alleged that several senior ODM figures close to former leader Raila Odinga have been operating as agents of the state or other political interests, working against Odinga's agenda.
He further claimed that some members are currently negotiating for Cabinet positions in President William Ruto's administration, including efforts to position former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya as Deputy President as a tactic to revive ODM.
Ruto's Influence Over ODM Leadership
According to Omondi, President Ruto effectively controls ODM's decision-making through intermediaries, with party officials reportedly taking directives from Ruto via his aide Farouk. He described Ruto as the de facto leader of ODM, a fact unknown to many party members.
Decline of ODM's Political Presence
Omondi also noted the party's waning influence across Kenya, stating that ODM has lost significant ground in Western Kenya, the Coast, Nairobi, and parts of Nyanza. He suggested that alternative political movements are increasingly filling the void left by ODM's diminished presence.
