Oparanya offers to lead dialogue to woo defectors back to ODM

Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya expressed concern over the lack of numerous Members of Parliament and senior officials at an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates’ meeting in Busia, proposing to initiate dialogue to bring the party together amid defections and the rise of rival factions.

Addressing the Busia ODM Delegates’ Consultative Meeting, hosted by Governor Paul Otuoma, Oparanya remarked on the absence of elected leaders at a gathering with grassroots delegates, emphasizing that ODM could not afford to neglect divisions among its leaders as political alignments shift ahead of the 2027 General Election. "Many top leaders are not here," Oparanya said, stressing his personal willingness to engage with the absent figures and requesting permission from delegates to begin outreach efforts to reunite them with the party.

"Since we cannot have delegates and the general secretary here, we cannot have all ODM leaders present. This is a very important matter, and I have taken it upon myself to reach out and try to bring these individuals together." Oparanya's move comes as ODM faces pressure to retain its elected representatives and resolve disputes over leadership, political direction, and relationships with other formations before the 2027 elections.

One faction within the ODM political landscape is the Linda Mwananchi group, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has distanced themselves from the party. The faction includes figures like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and other politicians who oppose the party's current trajectory. These divisions have arisen amidst broader political shifts, prompting questions about ODM's future alliances and the ambitions of leaders vying for influence ahead of the 2027 polls.

By volunteering to mediate the talks, Oparanya has assumed a critical role in addressing internal discord at a time when the party's unity, reform efforts, and political direction are under scrutiny as it prepares for the upcoming elections. The Cabinet Secretary's offer to lead the dialogue underscores the urgency of reconciling dissenting leaders before their absence undermines the party's grassroots support and parliamentary influence.