Kenya's Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has declared his readiness to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to foster unity within the Western region. This statement was made during the recent funeral service of Cyrus Jirongo, where calls for regional political cohesion were prominent.

• Oparanya stated he would leave ODM if his departure facilitated the unity of the Luhya community.
• The declaration was made at the funeral service of Cyrus Jirongo on December 30, amidst widespread calls for unity among Western Kenya leaders.
• Leaders including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Gideon Moi, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir echoed the importance of regional unity, suggesting it could significantly impact national politics.

Kisumu Senator Ruth Odinga has defended Edwin Sifuna amidst deepening wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, urging an end to alleged smear campaigns against the Odinga family.

• Ruth Odinga criticized unnamed individuals for disparaging the Odinga family, particularly on social media, just two months after the passing of Raila Odinga.
• She dismissed claims by some ODM stakeholders of being closer to the late former Prime Minister, asserting that Nairobi Senator and ODM SG Edwin Sifuna was equally a "son" to Raila.
• This came as a rebuttal to Oketch Salah's claims that Raila Odinga had privately expressed concerns about Sifuna being a potential "mole."
• Ruth Odinga urged ODM members to focus on the NADCO report's 10-point agenda and implied that the party had already been "sold," with pressure to finalize the transaction.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has called for a National Delegated Council (NDC) vote to decide the future direction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, as internal divisions deepen over a potential alliance with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the 2027 elections.

• Sifuna criticized party members attempting to "sell ODM" to President Ruto, insisting all major decisions must involve the entire party.
• Two main factions are emerging within ODM: one led by Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, opposing a pre-election pact with UDA; and another led by Party Leader Oburu Oginga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, exploring cooperation with Ruto.
• The internal struggles follow the death of founding leader Raila Odinga in October, with Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir suggesting cooperation with UDA is a strategic move to safeguard party interests.