The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has cautioned leaders linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement against transforming the faction into a separate political party.
According to Natembeya, such a move could divide the opposition and unintentionally boost President William Ruto’s chances of securing another term in office.
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He said the ongoing disagreements within ODM should be resolved internally rather than leading to the creation of a new political outfit.
The governor made the remarks during an appearance on JKLive Show on Citizen TV on Wednesday night.
Natembeya noted that leaders within the broader opposition coalition are closely observing the situation in ODM but warned that a split could weaken the unity of the opposition.
“Regarding Linda Mwananchi, I have never attended any of their events. What we are seeing is essentially an internal ODM matter concerning how the party is engaging with the government. Those of us in Azimio are simply watching how events unfold and hoping for a positive outcome,” he said.
He suggested that the dispute appears to have created two camps within ODM, each holding different views on the party’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“One side seems to support the current broad-based government led by the ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, while another group led by Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, and James Orengo is opposed to the arrangement,” Natembeya explained.
He added that the concerns raised by those opposing the arrangement echo views previously expressed by some opposition leaders when Raila Odinga chose to cooperate with the government.
“When Raila joined the government, some of us did not support the decision. Those now opposing it from within the party are essentially raising the same concerns we had when Raila Odinga moved to work with William Ruto,” he said.
However, Natembeya warned that the situation could become politically harmful if the faction associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement formally breaks away from ODM to create a new political platform.
“In my opinion, that would be disastrous because their views represent those of the opposition. As the opposition, we need unity. If they split and form another opposition group, it will divide votes and ultimately make it easier for Ruto to secure another term. I strongly discourage such a move,” he said.
The debate surrounding the movement comes amid growing tensions within ODM over the implementation of the 10-point agenda agreed between the party and the ruling coalition.
Earlier in the week, Edwin Sifuna criticised a report presented at KICC on the progress of the agenda, describing the event as a “charade” and insisting that the commitments outlined in the agreement had not been fulfilled.
Despite the internal disagreements, Sifuna has maintained that the Linda Mwananchi movement remains part of ODM and has no plans to leave the party.
“We are not leaving ODM. This party belongs to all of us, and we are here to fight for it,” Sifuna said during a press briefing, dismissing claims that the faction intends to form a new political party.
