Simba Arati urged ODM members to remain united during the memorial in Bondo.
Simba Arati calls for party unity, defends cooperation with Ruto and promises fair nominations amid a dispute with the Linda Mwananchi camp.
ODM divisions deepened as deputy party leader Simba Arati urged members considering an exit to stay. However, he repeated allegations that political sponsors had bought the loyalty of leaders aligned with Linda Mwananchi.
Arati spoke during the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County. He appealed to members to honour Odinga’s political legacy by remaining in ODM and helping rebuild it.
At the same time, he said those choosing to follow alleged financiers could leave with them. His remarks appeared aimed at the faction opposing ODM’s growing cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.
ODM divisions centre on government cooperation
The Linda Mwananchi camp includes Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Its leaders oppose the broad-based arrangement between ODM and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.
The movement presents itself as a platform for defending ordinary citizens and holding the government accountable. Its leaders also argue that ODM should retain its opposition identity rather than support Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
Meanwhile, leaders backing cooperation with the administration have defended the party’s participation in government. Arati maintained that ODM should build enough political strength to form the next administration.
He also urged members to strengthen party structures instead of allowing internal disagreements to weaken ODM. The competing positions remain central to the party’s preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna challenges claims of external funding
The dispute also involves allegations over who finances Linda Mwananchi’s political activities. Ruto has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of funding the movement to undermine his administration.
During a September tour of Nyanza, the President criticised Orengo and portrayed the faction as serving sponsors. He urged the governor to abandon the movement and work with him on development, including hospitals.
However, Sifuna has challenged Ruto to provide evidence linking Kenyatta to the movement’s funding. He dismissed the allegations as an attempt to weaken the camp’s political influence.
Sifuna and his allies say their campaign reflects opposition to the government’s record, not an alleged sponsor’s interests. They also maintain that they want to prevent Ruto from winning a second term.
Despite those disagreements, the faction continues seeking influence within ODM rather than abandoning the party.
Arati pledges fair Nairobi Senate nominations
Alongside his unity appeal, Arati promised free and fair nominations for elective seats and party positions. He specifically included the Nairobi senatorial contest, where East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga has declared interest.
The pledge comes amid a history of disputes over ODM candidate selection and internal democracy. Previous nomination contests have also prompted complaints over how the party handles appeals.
Arati nevertheless defended ODM’s role in the broad-based government while urging members to remain together. His message combined an appeal for reconciliation with continued criticism of those he accused of following political sponsors.
