Fresh political tensions have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma accused several senior party leaders of gradually aligning themselves with the political camp associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Kaluma's remarks have intensified debate over the future direction of ODM as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
The outspoken legislator alleged that Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have increasingly embraced political activities that place them closer to opposition movements than to the party's current leadership position.
His comments come at a time when Kenya's political landscape continues to witness shifting alliances, coalition negotiations and growing competition among leaders seeking to position themselves ahead of the next presidential election.
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According to Kaluma, the three leaders have become closely associated with political initiatives that challenge the current broad-based political arrangement supported by some members of ODM. He argued that their participation in opposition activities reflects a political direction that differs from the party's official approach.
The lawmaker particularly pointed to the growing visibility of the Linda Mwananchi movement, whose rallies have featured several prominent opposition leaders, including Sifuna and Babu Owino. The movement has continued to campaign on issues such as governance, accountability, economic reforms and citizen participation while criticising various government policies.
Kaluma suggested that these political engagements have created the perception that the leaders are increasingly moving closer to the political trajectory associated with Rigathi Gachagua, although none of the three leaders has publicly announced that they have joined his political camp.
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The Homa Bay Town MP further warned that pursuing political activities outside the party's established structures could weaken the leaders' standing within ODM. He maintained that the party's strength has traditionally been built on unity and coordinated political action, arguing that parallel movements risk creating confusion among supporters.
His remarks highlight the growing ideological differences that have recently emerged within ODM over how the party should position itself ahead of the 2027 elections. While some leaders have supported structured political cooperation under the current broad-based arrangement, others have continued advocating for a stronger opposition role through nationwide mobilisation campaigns.
Political analysts note that such disagreements are common during periods leading up to major elections, especially when parties begin discussing coalition strategies, leadership succession and presidential ambitions. They argue that internal debate often reflects differing opinions about the most effective path to electoral success rather than an immediate split within a political party.
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His comments come at a time when Kenya's political landscape continues to witness shifting alliances, coalition negotiations and growing competition among leaders seeking to position themselves ahead of the next presidential election.
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The lawmaker particularly pointed to the growing visibility of the Linda Mwananchi movement, whose rallies have featured several prominent opposition leaders, including Sifuna and Babu Owino. The movement has continued to campaign on issues such as governance, accountability, economic reforms and citizen participation while criticising various government policies.
Kaluma suggested that these political engagements have created the perception that the leaders are increasingly moving closer to the political trajectory associated with Rigathi Gachagua, although none of the three leaders has publicly announced that they have joined his political camp.
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His remarks highlight the growing ideological differences that have recently emerged within ODM over how the party should position itself ahead of the 2027 elections. While some leaders have supported structured political cooperation under the current broad-based arrangement, others have continued advocating for a stronger opposition role through nationwide mobilisation campaigns.
Political analysts note that such disagreements are common during periods leading up to major elections, especially when parties begin discussing coalition strategies, leadership succession and presidential ambitions. They argue that internal debate often reflects differing opinions about the most effective path to electoral success rather than an immediate split within a political party.
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Observers further point out that Kenya's opposition politics has historically involved collaboration among leaders from different parties and political movements. As a result, participation in joint rallies or consultative meetings does not necessarily mean that leaders have abandoned their political parties or formally joined new political formations.
Neither James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna nor Babu Owino has publicly responded to Kaluma's latest allegations. Likewise, ODM has not issued any official statement indicating that the three leaders have changed their party membership or political affiliation.
The debate comes as opposition leaders continue holding consultations aimed at strengthening cooperation before the next General Election. Discussions around coalition unity, leadership structures and the eventual presidential flag bearer are expected to dominate Kenya's political conversation over the coming months.
Analysts believe the opposition's ability to manage internal differences while maintaining unity will play an important role in shaping its competitiveness during the 2027 elections. At the same time, they caution that political statements made by individual leaders should not be interpreted as official party positions unless confirmed by the relevant party organs.
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As political activity continues to intensify, exchanges such as Kaluma's remarks are expected to become increasingly common as leaders seek to define their positions, strengthen their support bases and influence the direction of future political alliances.
For now, Kaluma's comments have added another layer to the ongoing debate over ODM's future, highlighting the differing visions emerging within the party as Kenya's political landscape steadily evolves toward the 2027 General Election.
Source: Public remarks by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
Neither James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna nor Babu Owino has publicly responded to Kaluma's latest allegations. Likewise, ODM has not issued any official statement indicating that the three leaders have changed their party membership or political affiliation.
The debate comes as opposition leaders continue holding consultations aimed at strengthening cooperation before the next General Election. Discussions around coalition unity, leadership structures and the eventual presidential flag bearer are expected to dominate Kenya's political conversation over the coming months.
Analysts believe the opposition's ability to manage internal differences while maintaining unity will play an important role in shaping its competitiveness during the 2027 elections. At the same time, they caution that political statements made by individual leaders should not be interpreted as official party positions unless confirmed by the relevant party organs.
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For now, Kaluma's comments have added another layer to the ongoing debate over ODM's future, highlighting the differing visions emerging within the party as Kenya's political landscape steadily evolves toward the 2027 General Election.
Source: Public remarks by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
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