Junet Mohamed has issued a strong warning to President William Ruto, stating that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will not remain passive in the face of alleged efforts by government officials to weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists, the Minority Leader accused senior figures within the government of orchestrating a calculated campaign aimed at pressuring ODM Members of Parliament to defect to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). According to Junet, legislators from the Coast and Western regions are particularly being targeted in this alleged political maneuver.
He further claimed that ODM members who have secured positions within government structures are facing direct threats, being instructed to distance themselves from the party or risk losing their appointments. Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, Junet stated, “People we sent to government are being told not to associate with ODM. This must stop. Being in government is not charity.”
In response to these developments, ODM has convened an emergency meeting of its Central Management Committee. The purpose of the meeting is to evaluate the current political climate and determine an appropriate course of action. Party officials have warned that failure to address their concerns could lead to heightened political tensions.
Junet also rejected claims that ODM’s participation in the Broad-Based Government was driven by political convenience or dependence on Ruto’s goodwill. He maintained that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga supported the arrangement as part of a broader effort to foster national unity. He added, “If that agenda no longer exists then tell us clearly because we have no shortage of options.”
Additionally, ODM has expressed its intention to secure the Deputy President position in any coalition agreement leading into the 2027 elections, a demand that has reportedly caused friction with allies of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Meanwhile, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula dismissed ODM’s concerns, asserting that several ODM legislators from the region are willing to join UDA unconditionally. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, however, called for restraint and urged dialogue between both sides to address key issues, including seat-sharing arrangements, before the situation escalates further.