Oburu Oginga
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of attempting a hostile takeover of its grassroots structures in Western Kenya.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, in a statement on Thursday, January 8, revealed that several party legislators and officials in Vihiga and Kakamega Counties have been incorporated into UDA meetings.
He alleged that there was a meeting held on Tuesday, January 6, at a hotel in Kakamega, where several legislators elected on ODM participated in a meeting convened by top UDA officials.
Osotsi also alleged that UDA has formed a regional presidential caucus made up of ODM members, which it said violates both the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution.
“Our members are being approached to facilitate and participate in the upcoming UDA grassroots elections under the false pretext that UDA and ODM are in a political cooperation agreement.
“The UDA brigade has gone further to form a regional presidential caucus composed of ODM members in clear violation of the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution,” Osotsi claimed.
Godfrey Osotsi
The ODM Deputy Party Leader termed UDA’s actions as regrettable and in bad faith, since it followed the demise of Raila Odinga.
Osotsi pointed out that no formal agreement or pact exists between ODM and UDA to govern political collaboration at national or grassroots levels.
“For clarity, there is no legally binding agreement or pact between UDA and ODM at national and grassroots levels to anchor the ongoing political overreach by the UDA party,” he said.
The Vihiga Senator noted that the only arrangement between the two parties is a 10-point reform package stemming from the mid-2024 Broad-Based Government initiative, which is set to expire in 2027.
“The 10-point reform agenda, like the Broad-Based Government, is work in progress meant to expire in 2027, and does not amount to a formal cooperation agreement or pact between ODM and UDA political parties,” Osotsi remarked.
