Vocal ODM MP Threatens To Leave The Party, Gives This Ultimatum Over Ties With President Ruto

A fresh storm is building inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi issued a strong warning to the Party’s leadership.

Amisi said he is ready to walk away from ODM if it continues to work closely with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the MP announced that March 9, 2026, is his personal deadline.

By that date, he expects ODM to have clearly chosen whether it stands as an independent opposition movement or remains friendly with the government.

Amisi said he has watched ODM slowly lose its spirit, especially after the passing of Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.

According to him, the unity and courage that once defined the Party have begun to fade.

He warned that if the trend continues, ODM could shrink into a regional group limited to Nyanza, instead of the national force it used to be.

The legislator expressed disappointment in the Party’s top figures, including newly appointed Party Leader Oburu Oginga, Governor Gladys Wanga, and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.

He claimed this group is steering ODM away from its watchdog role and pushing it into a comfortable relationship with the government.

Amisi said that once a political party loses its identity, it becomes extremely hard to rebuild. He noted that Kenyans rely on strong opposition movements to question decisions, offer new ideas, and defend the public interest.

He also criticized the United Opposition coalition, where leaders like Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, and Kalonzo Musyoka have been holding joint activities.

Amisi argued that their style of politics — speeches at funerals, church services, and frequent press conferences — is not enough to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 elections.

The divisions inside ODM have grown wider in recent months. Some leaders support cooperating with the government, saying it brings stability, while others feel it weakens their ability to speak for ordinary citizens.

Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya recently added to the confusion by announcing that he would leave ODM if that decision would help unite leaders from the Western region.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have also voiced dissatisfaction, saying the partnership with UDA goes against what ODM stands for.

Amisi believes this conflict must be resolved quickly, or ODM risks losing public trust ahead of the 2027 general election.