In a statement released on Thursday, ODM said some of its legislators and county officials were lured to attend UDA-organized meetings under the pretext of a political cooperation pact. One of the most recent gatherings took place on January 6 at a Kakamega hotel, where several ODM legislators reportedly participated in what they were told was a routine party consultation.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi condemned the meetings, saying they reflect a deliberate strategy by UDA to undermine the party’s position in the region. “These predatory acts by the UDA are deeply regrettable and demonstrate bad faith, particularly at a time when ODM is still finding its footing following the passing of our former Party Leader, the Rt Hon Raila Amollo Odinga,” Osotsi said.
The party further accused President Ruto of orchestrating these night-time political convenings in Western Kenya to poach its members and weaken ODM’s influence ahead of upcoming electoral contests. ODM officials insist they will resist any such attempts, emphasizing that the party’s structures remain intact and committed to honoring the legacy of its late leader.
As tensions rise, ODM has vowed to monitor the situation closely, warning that any continued interference by UDA could escalate into broader political confrontations in the region.