MP James Nyikal dismisses claims of divisions in ODM

Mustafa Juma 30th October, 2025 01:06 AM

Caption:MP James Nyikal dismisses claims of divisions in ODM.VIDEO/K24TV

Seme Member of Parliament (MP) James Nyikal has dismissed claims of internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Nyikal insisted that the party remains united despite differing opinions among its members.

He noted that recent debates among ODM leaders should not be mistaken for a split, emphasising that the party encourages open dialogue and accommodates diverse voices, particularly from the youth.

Nyikal cited a moment during the late Raila Odinga’s address at the burial of the then Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, where the ODM leader affirmed Edwin Sifuna’s authority as Secretary General.

Also watch: CS Opiyo Wandayi affirms ODM’s unity.

“I don’t understand why, since Jakom (Raila) died, people now don’t understand what he said two or three months ago. The issue of, let us say, Sifuna, the way he had been talking before, and the way, let’s say, Mbadi was talking before, were like miles apart. But what did Jakom say when we were in Ong’ondo Were’s burial? He said Sifuna is the Secretary General of the ODM party, and we should listen to him when he is talking. He said Sifuna has a right to talk, but when we want to make a party decision, we will sit down, and it will be stated,” Nyikal stated.

The late Raila Odinga during a past function. PHOTO/@RailaOdinga/X

Nyikal maintained that ODM remains cohesive under its structures and ideals, and that ongoing discussions among members reflect a maturing democratic culture rather than disunity.

“So in this country, in any party, you must contend that there are restless youth, and a forward-looking party must actually plan on how to accommodate that youth. You cannot accommodate them by dismissing what they say. For me, there is no split in ODM,” he said.

ODM-UDA partnership

He also reaffirmed the ODM cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration while hinting that the party’s post-2027 political direction remains open for review.

Nyikal stated that ODM is fully supporting President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government until 2027 in the spirit of national unity and stability, even after the death of its leader, Raila Odinga.

Elsewhere, ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir said that the party is open to Ruto picking Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as running mate; however, he explained that such a decision would require internal consultations and approval by the Central Management Committee.

However, he emphasised that politics is dynamic, and the party must begin strategising for the next general election.

“We are with the Kenya Kwanza government fully until 2027, but we are aware that 2027 is not one day. We have a party, we have a party leader, and we have a structure. This is the time we now must start thinking of what is going to be of 2027,” he said.