Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has revealed that hardliners within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) frustrated his efforts to unite rival factions, which he believes is crucial for the party's negotiation power with UDA.

• A crisis meeting convened by ODM party leader Oburu Oginga aimed to end political tension among Kakamega County politicians.
• Mr. Oparanya believes party unity is essential for ODM to negotiate as equal partners with President William Ruto’s UDA.
• Hardliners, including Treasury CS John Mbadi, opposed reconciliation efforts, with factions like Linda Mwananchi issuing strict conditions for reunion following the death of Raila Odinga in October 2025.