The current problems that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faces have elicited a new political controversy as Senator James Orengo of the Siaya county accused President William Ruto of the problems.
His statement is opportune as ODM has been going through observable internal differences concerning its political path. Within the past few months, the party has been divided into parts where one supported bipartisan participation with the Kenya Kwanza administration, and others have demanded that ODM be firmly in opposition.
Orengo who is an old time ally of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, opined that the ruling government has exercised calculated pressure to undermine the party internally. Even though he did not give details as such, his utterance shows an increasing concern among some of the members of ODM that the identity of the party as a strong opposition movement may be undermined.
Political analysts argue that the comments made by the senator reveal that there is more infighting in ODM. The party has been sailing through a complicated political climate that has been characterized with talks between the opposition and the government particularly on matters ten points agenda that was signed by the ruling party UDA and ODM that its implementation period is coming to an end in march this year as was agreed by the two party leaders then.
Allied leaders to President Ruto have since refuted allegations of meddling in the opposition affairs arguing that changing of alliances is a normal phenomenon in Kenya politics. They claim that internal wrangles that occur in ODM are as a result of self leadership and strategic decisions.
The feelings of Orengo, however, are shared by a part of the ODM supporters who think that the party should protect against outside influence. With the political realignments still driving the national scene, the question arises on whether ODM will hold together and the long term strategy.
The issue of the direction of the party is bound to be heated up in the coming years as there is still time before the next general election. The net effect of ODM coming out either more united or more divided could have a significant impact on the power balance in the changing politics in Kenya.
