Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has intensified criticism against senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders, accusing them of failing to respond to party members and warning of a looming leadership crisis.
Speaking during a radio show on Tuesday, Alai singled out ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Senator Oburu Odinga, claiming their inaccessibility reflects deeper systemic failures within the party.
The first time county legislator questioned the coordination within ODM’s leadership, citing confusion even when senior figures seek engagement with grassroots leaders.
“Today, if Oburu Odinga comes to Nairobi and wants to meet the ODM MCAs, who does he speak to?” he posed. Adding that key county leadership structures are disconnected, alleging that “the majority whip doesn’t listen to him, the majority leader doesn’t listen to him, and the Speaker doesn’t talk to him.”
According to Alai, the communication breakdown is not the fault of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, but rather a wider leadership gap that has left the party disorganised and unresponsive to its members.
The outspoken MCA further warned that ODM risks gradual collapse if it continues to sideline young leaders and frontline officials who are instrumental in grassroots mobilisation.
The ODM-elected politician stressed that ignoring these voices could significantly weaken the party’s influence, particularly among younger supporters.
MCA Alai also pointed to a lack of succession planning, stating, “We just did not prepare for Baba’s absence,” in reference to ODM leader Raila Odinga. He cautioned against treating the party as a “family inheritance,” urging leaders to embrace inclusivity and build structures that can sustain ODM beyond its founding leadership.
His remarks come amid growing internal debate over the party’s future, with increasing calls for reforms to strengthen internal democracy and leadership accountability.