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Political infighting within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has erupted into the open after Acting Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo launched a scathing verbal assault on a prominent and powerful Governor.
Speaking at a public rally in Butula, Busia County, Omanyo addressed the growing dissent inside the opposition party, targeting the governor over his alleged disloyalty and recent criticisms of the party’s direction.
The row stems from accusations that the ODM leadership has neglected certain regional bases, prompting Lenku to threaten a walkout.
Omanyo fiercely dismissed these claims, framing the governor’s actions as ungrateful behavior toward the party that handed him a direct ticket without a competitive nomination process.
Defending the current political realignments and senior government appointments allocated to the Maasai community under the broad-based administration, she insisted that Lenku’s grievances are rooted in personal ambition rather than genuine community interest.
The public confrontation underscores widening fractures within ODM following recent internal restructuring. Party loyalists are increasingly pushing back against key figures who challenge the executive directive or express dissatisfaction with broader political pacts.
Omanyo’s open challenge for Lenku to exit the party completely and hand over power to his deputy signals a strict shift toward party discipline.
As top officials demand absolute alignment from elected members, the fallout from the Butula gathering highlights the precarious stability of Kenya’s major political outfits ahead of upcoming electoral realignments.
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