Raila’s Pact with Ruto Sparks Turmoil as ODM Defections Threaten to Split Party

Just days after Raila Odinga endorsed President Ruto’s government until 2027, a storm is brewing within ODM that could unravel years of political loyalty. Key allies are now rebelling, signalling a dangerous fracture in the former Prime Minister’s stronghold.

According to Thursday’s Standard, top ODM figures including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are distancing themselves from Raila’s decision to align with the government under the Broad-Based Government (BBG) initiative. Sifuna, in a stinging interview, questioned the logic behind ODM’s cooperation with a regime they had spent years criticising, calling it “a betrayal of the party’s foundation.” Babu Owino also hinted at defection, suggesting the party has lost touch with the realities of its support base.

The fallout follows Raila’s public assurance that ODM would support Ruto’s administration through to the next election. This statement was widely interpreted as a peace gesture tied to the ongoing BBG arrangement, but has now ignited internal resistance. Younger ODM legislators appear unwilling to follow their party leader into what they see as an alliance of convenience.

In response, Raila has yet to issue a formal statement on the growing rift. ODM headquarters remains tight-lipped, even as speculation swirls about planned realignments ahead of 2027. Meanwhile, political observers note that ODM’s unity is being tested at a moment when Ruto is also facing Gen Z-led street protests and opposition from his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

With murmurs of rebellion, looming defections, and a party at war with itself, the question now hangs in the air: can Raila keep ODM intact, or is this the beginning of an irreversible split? The days ahead may hold answers—or only more cracks.