By Andrew Kariuki

Catherine Omanyo has warned that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could reconsider its position in the broad-based government arrangement if concerns affecting ordinary Kenyans are not addressed.

Speaking in Malaba South Ward, Busia County, Omanyo criticised current fuel pricing, questioning disparities between Kenya and neighbouring landlocked countries.

“We cannot be serving landlocked countries and in their nations, the fuel prices are lower. It doesn’t make sense. We keep saying the fuel prices should go lower,” she said.

She added that the party would not ignore the struggles faced by citizens in the name of political cooperation.

“I will not look at Kenyans suffering while I sing broad-based government. It should be good, better for the people. We must remember the people that we promised to protect and fight for them,” she stated.

Her remarks come amid growing tension within the cooperation framework between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

ODM leader Oburu Oginga also raised concerns, urging President William Ruto to address what he described as disrespectful conduct by some UDA officials towards ODM.

“I’m in good relationship with the President, but he should discipline and talk to some of these high officials of his party,” Oburu said while speaking in Kisumu County.

At the same time, he dismissed reports that ODM had suspended engagement with UDA, clarifying that formal negotiations between the two parties had not yet begun.

“We cannot stop what has not started. Our negotiations with UDA have not started. We have not even formed the negotiating teams to put breaks on them,” he said.

Oburu further cautioned UDA against encroaching on ODM strongholds, particularly as discussions on political zoning continue.

“We don’t want to compete with people whom we are going into partnership with called UDA. They are the only ones we don’t want to interfere,” he added.

The developments follow a meeting of ODM’s Central Committee, where the party expressed concern over what it termed as unwarranted public remarks by some UDA officials.

In a statement read by Omanyo, ODM called for mutual respect within the arrangement, warning that continued friction could strain relations between the two parties.