KAKAMEGA — It was political mayhem in Western Kenya today as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) saw its leaders go head-to-head in two rival meetings in the same county,a clear sign the party’s unity is disintegrating faster than loyal supporters expected.
In one corner was Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, who drew a roaring crowd to a Linda Ground forum at his Mabole home in Butere. The event was officially kicked off by County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda and attended by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera and a sea of ODM delegates loyal to that camp.
Meanwhile, in Kakamega Town, Governor Fernandes Barasa held his own party meeting at the Kakamega Golf Club without the backing of the Oparanya faction.
*Oburu Odinga Caught in the Middle!*
ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Odinga was reportedly present at the Butere event with Oparanya before later reportedly planning to swing by Barasa’s meeting. His dual attendance was seen as a frantic effort to calm tempers and act as peacemaker.
At the Butere gathering, Oparanya, once a close ally of Barasa took subtle but unmistakable digs at the governor, highlighting his support from senior MPs and endorsing Elsie Muhanda to challenge Barasa in the 2027 gubernatorial race.
*Confusion and Chaos on the Ground*
The drama peaked when Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga mistakenly referred to Oparanya as Barasa during introductions, sparking loud reactions from delegates before quickly correcting herself.
Both meetings were styled as “consultative forums” in ODM’s broader Linda Ground tour, part of intense negotiations with President William Ruto’s UDA for a potential pre-coalition deal ahead of the 2027 general election.
*Signs of a Deep Split*
The sight of two rival ODM factions in one county has sent shockwaves through the party’s base. Supporters in Kakamega have publicly called on Oburu Odinga to step in and settle the feud before it leads to full-blown infighting.
With national leaders pushing dialogue and some voices warning that the cracks could widen further, today’s events mark a new low in ODM’s internal cohesion just months after the passing of former leader Raila Odinga and in the thick of strategic talks for 2027.
