ODM Raises Alarm Over Alleged UDA Infiltration and ‘Hostile Takeover’ in Western Kenya
He rejected any such claims, emphatically and unambiguously stating that no such agreement existed to warrant the involvement of any ODM official in the internal processes of UDA.
ODM DPL Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, Party Leader Oburu Oginga, SG Edwin Sifuna, and National Chair Gladys Wanga in Mombasa for the 20th anniversary celebrations on November 13, 2025. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has raised stiff objections to what it claims is a calculated scheme by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to undermine its political institutions in Western Kenya, warning that the developments threaten party independence and violate existing laws.
Through a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi claimed to have evidence that UDA has begun implementing a deliberate scheme to infiltrate ODM’s grassroots networks in Vihiga and Kakamega counties. Most recently, he indicated there was a space created for UDA activities and meetings that drew attendance from several ODM-elected legislators and officials, culminating in a high-profile encounter that took place on Tuesday in a hotel in Kakamega that was convened by senior UDA officials and attended by ODM-elected leaders, thus raising alarm in the opposition party.
Osotsi accused members of the ODM being lured into participation in grassroots elections for UDA under the pretense that ODM and UDA are parties to a formal framework of political cooperation. He rejected any such claims, emphatically and unambiguously stating that no such agreement existed to warrant the involvement of any ODM official in the internal processes of UDA.
The presence of a regional presidential caucus allegedly composed of ODM members and formed by the UDA, according to the deputy party leader, has added to the gravity of matters. This action, he said, is unlawful and illegal, in perpetuation of the provisions of the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution, as they undermine the party’s internal governance mechanisms.
He termed UDA actions unfortunate and in bad faith, especially after the demise of the ODM founding party leader Raila Odinga. Osotsi argued that the timing of this alleged infiltration shows utter disrespect to the party and its supporters.
Osotsi observed that there would be more serious implications and termed the developments as hostile attempts for political takeover. He asserted that intimidation, including onslaughts of threats of violence and expulsions of senior ODM officials that dared speak against the so-called premature and disrespectful conduct by UDA, form part of the strategy.
The ODM deputy leader further reiterated that there exists no binding agreement between ODM and UDA, both at the level of national structures and at the grassroots level, which could validate UDA’s conduct. The only agreement between the two parties, he observed, is an agenda for reform involving 10 points emanating from the Gen Z protests of mid-2024, which he said does not equate to a merger or political alliance.
Osotsi accused the UDA of attempting to unscrupulously infiltrate the political machinery of ODM, which he described as having been built over two decades. He maintained that the OMD remains an independent organization and should not be treated as a department under the ruling party.
“ODM is a distinct political organization and not an appendage of UDA,” said Osotsi, adding that the so-called broad-based arrangement does not define how the two parties will approach the 2027 General Election.
He called on ODM members and supporters to be vigilant and strong in opposing the informal infiltration and to protect the party’s structures while upholding its constitutional tenets.
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