Rarieda MP and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy chairperson Otiende Amollo has denied reports that he boycotted a key party meeting in Kilifi County.
The claims emerged after several senior ODM figures were absent from the gathering, which aimed to address internal disputes and the party’s relationship with President William Ruto’s government.
The Deputy Party leader and a member of the Senior Counsel Bar said in a X post that he had no credentials to attend the Vipingo meeting chaired by Party leader Oburu Oginga.
He emphasised that while he holds a senior position as deputy chairperson, he does not sit on the Central Committee, the body responsible for key party decisions.
“ODM Manenos, may it be known that as Deputy Chair of ODM, I have not boycotted any meeting. I’m not a member of the Central Committee,” Amollo posted on X.
The meeting, chaired by ODM leader Oburu Odinga in Vipingo, Kilifi County, brought together party members to discuss leadership issues and the party’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Oburu defended ODM’s involvement with the government, saying it ensures the party’s supporters are included in national development and decision-making.
Several senior party members did boycott the session, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Senators Godfrey Osotsi, Odour Ong’wen, and Ledama Ariko. Reports also listed Amollo and Ruth Odinga among the absentees, although Amollo’s statement clarifies his position.
The move has set tongues wagging that the due may for a new ODM scion, the third since 2006.
These members form a faction questioning ODM’s direction after the death of founding leader Raila Odinga. They oppose close ties with Ruto’s administration and are pushing for the party to exit government roles ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ida Odinga, Raila’s widow, called for talks to preserve unity.
Amollo has previously been active in addressing internal disputes. Last week, he joined a statement urging Sifuna and MP Junet Mohamed to stop public insults.
He also supported pre-election discussions between ODM and Ruto’s UDA party and encouraged Oburu to convene meetings to resolve disputes.
Tensions within ODM have escalated recently. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir urged Oburu to call an emergency meeting over attempts to split the party. MP Caleb Amisi criticised name-calling between factions, calling it an attempt to chase members away.
Concerns abound that a Western Kenya and Nairobi faction and party may soon be registered.
In 1991, President Moi orchestrated the split of the original Ford to create Ford Kenya and Ford Asili. Ford Kenya was led by Jaramogi Oginga and Masinde Muliro.
Ford Asili remained in the hands of Martin Shikuku and Kenneth Matiba.
Former Moi Vice President Mwai Kibaki was encouraged to form DP in 1991. They went on to lose to Moi in the 1992 elections.
President William Ruto and President Uhuru Kenyatta are the two living political scions of Moi…and they are key players in the 2027 elections.
