OparaFormer Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has expressed deep concern over the current state of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying internal wrangles and monetary influence are eroding the party’s core values.
Speaking during a high-level meeting in Kakamega Town that brought together ODM elected leaders to deliberate on the party’s future direction, Oparanya said he was saddened by recent developments within the outfit.
“When I look at what is happening in our party today, I feel very sad. Money has corrupted good leaders in ODM. Once some receive money, they forget what they told members yesterday,” he said.
Oparanya noted that the situation was different during the tenure of former party leader Raila Odinga. According to him, Raila maintained a consultative leadership style and consistently engaged party members before making key decisions.
“During Raila’s time, such things were not there. He consulted widely, even when he wanted to change his position on an issue,” Oparanya stated.
He credited Raila’s firm political stance for shaping the careers of several leaders, including himself, noting that despite serving in President William Ruto’s administration, he remains a committed ODM member.
“Raila’s strong political stand is what made some of us serve in government today. But I am ODM forever,” he affirmed.
Oparanya further called on the new party leader Oburu Odinga and his team to foster inclusivity and respect leaders from all communities within the party.
He was speaking in the presence of Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), who urged leaders from the Luhya region to remain united and shield one another from external political pressures.
Atwoli also called on elected leaders to stand firmly behind ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna amid ongoing internal tensions.
The meeting comes at a time when ODM is grappling with leadership disputes that have sparked debate among party members and supporters across the country.