Ruto And Uhuru Dragged Into ODM Sale Claims As Party Splits Deepen Ahead Of The 2027 Election

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto have been pulled into a growing storm within the Orange Democratic Movement. 

The dispute is raising fears that the party could fracture ahead of the 2027 General Election. Rival camps are trading accusations over plans to sell the party for political gain.

Leaders allied to the broad based government say there is a plot to return ODM to the opposition. 

They claim the plan is being pushed by allies of Mr Kenyatta who leads the Jubilee Party. On the other side critics of the government say ODM is being quietly handed to President Ruto.

The tension has deepened following the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga. Raila had held the party together for two decades. 

His absence has exposed long standing rivalries that are now playing out in public rallies and meetings.

Those opposing cooperation with President Ruto include Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. 

Others are Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Siaya Governor James Orengo. They insist ODM should remain independent and honour its reform agenda.

The pro government wing is led by ODM leader Oburu Odinga. It also includes Chairperson Gladys Wanga. 

Governors Abdulswamad Nassir and Simba Arati support the alliance. Minority Leader Junet Mohamed is also in this camp.

Speaking in Suna East Junet Mohamed accused Uhuru Kenyatta of backing leaders who want to weaken ODM. 

He claimed a senior politician invited him to a late night meeting in Kisumu. The aim was to persuade ODM to leave the unity government.

Mohamed said he was promised more than one billion shillings from Kenyatta. The money was meant to fund a new alliance against Ruto. He questioned why Uhuru failed to secure Raila the presidency when he had power.

Mohamed said it was dishonest to accuse one side of selling the party while pushing another deal. He warned critics to leave ODM if they disagreed with its direction. He said the party would not exit the unity government.

Attempts to get a response from Uhuru Kenyatta failed. His spokesperson Kanze Dena did not answer calls or messages. Jubilee has not issued an official statement on the claims.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said those opposing Ruto want to destroy ODM from within. He said Kenyans no longer want endless opposition politics. Nassir accused some leaders of betraying Raila while pretending loyalty.

Edwin Sifuna rejected claims that ODM is for sale. He said anyone claiming to broker deals is a fraud. Senator Osotsi warned ODM support is conditional. He said President Ruto must meet agreed terms by March 2026.