ODM Coast bloc fractures as Joho, Abdulswamad battle for supremacy
The rift emerged during ODM's 20th anniversary in Mombasa, with leaders allied to Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho insisting that any decisions on ODM’s direction must involve their preferred leader amid a pushback from allies of Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir...
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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is experiencing internal turmoil in Kenya's Coast region as allies of Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho are asserting his leadership and role within President William Ruto's government. This faction is pushing back against any efforts to sideline Joho in discussions about the party's future, claiming his government position was a directive from the late Raila Odinga.
- Joho’s allies declared him the region’s political anchor, insisting his role in government was entrusted by the late Raila Odinga.
- Mvita MP Mohamed Soud Machele asserted that Joho's presence in government was a continuation of Raila Odinga’s strategic design.
- Joho himself vowed to expel those who "pursue him," stating he did not sacrifice for the party in vain.
- This comes amid deepening divisions within ODM regarding their stance on staying within President Ruto's broad-based government, with a rival faction pushing for an NDC to determine the party's future.
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Factions Within ODM Clash Over Party's Relationship with President Ruto's Government - November 2025
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing significant internal turmoil regarding its alliance with President William Ruto's government. EALA MP Winnie Odinga described the party's current broad-based pact with Ruto as "complicated" and called for a National Delegates Convention to decide its future. She also alleged a plot to sell the ODM party during its 20th-anniversary celebrations in Mombasa. Siaya Governor James Orengo dismissed the push for a coalition by some ODM ministers in Ruto's government as "idiotic," warning it would erode the party's identity. In a similar vein, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticized his party's leadership appointments. Tensions are also evident in the Coast region, where allies of Mining CS Hassan Joho are asserting his leadership, and within the wider opposition, where DCP's Cleophas Malala accused a DAP-K leader of colluding with Ruto.
