ODM Accuses UDA of Hostile Takeover
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has raised concerns, accusing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of trying to execute a “hostile takeover” of its grassroots operations in Western Kenya, especially in Vihiga and Kakamega counties.
In a statement released on Thursday, ODM claimed that some of its legislators and county officials were misled into attending UDA campaign meetings, believing there was a political cooperation agreement in place. One such meeting occurred on January 6 at a hotel in Kakamega, where several ODM legislators were reportedly present at a UDA gathering.
“The actions taken by the UDA party are unfortunate and lack good faith, particularly at a time when ODM is working to regain its footing after the passing of our former Party Leader, the Rt Hon Raila Amollo Odinga,” said ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi.
ODM characterized UDA’s maneuvers as a calculated effort to entice MPs, MCAs, and county officials into its initiatives, claiming this undermines the grassroots structures that have been built over the last twenty years.
The party has also alleged that UDA has put together a regional presidential caucus made up of ODM members, claiming this action breaches both the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution.
Meanwhile, ODM has stressed that there’s no formal or legally binding agreement between the two parties, whether at the national or grassroots level. They pointed out that the only existing framework is a 10-point reform package signed by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga last year, which initiated the 2024 Broad-Based Government initiative. According to the party, this doesn’t equate to a political pact.
“Including our members in UDA programs like this is a hostile move aimed at unlawfully exploiting ODM’s grassroots structures to ‘soften the ground’ for the eventual removal of ‘undesirable’ ODM officials without stirring up public opposition,” Osotsi remarked.
The party has accused UDA of resorting to threats of violence and expulsion to intimidate senior ODM officials who have dared to speak out against their advances.
ODM pointed out that UDA’s attempts to lure its members come at a time when the party is still in the process of reorganizing following the loss of its leader, a crucial period when maintaining internal unity is essential.
The party urged its members to resist being pulled into UDA’s activities and to stay true to ODM’s constitution and grassroots structures.
Osotsi pointed out that several ODM officials in Vihiga and Kakamega, when approached, have already distanced themselves from UDA programs and reaffirmed their loyalty to the party.
ODM emphasized that it stands as a separate political entity, independent from UDA, and clarified that the 10-point reform package does not dictate how the two parties will approach the 2027 elections.
ODM Accuses UDA of Hostile Takeover
