Suna West Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Masara has called for patience and unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, terming ongoing internal debates as normal party dynamics following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking during the commissioning of a storey tuition block at Migori Teachers Training College (TTC) over the weekend set to host the Rongo University Migori learning centre, Masara said the transition period had naturally created leadership adjustments, but assured members that the party remained intact and committed to its founding principles.
“Whatever is happening in ODM is very normal. When a father dies, things cannot run the same way, because the seat he was occupying cannot be easily filled,” the MP said.
He noted that different leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Party Secretary General, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, were expressing their views within their democratic rights.
“These are our members, and it is their right to speak. What we need to do is accommodate them and listen to their views,” he stated.
The MP added that interim ODM party leader Dr Oburu Odinga had already committed to meeting leaders with concerns to ensure cohesion and collective decision-making.
Concurrently, Masara dismissed claims of irregularities in appointing Odinga as interim leader, saying the Central Committee and National Governing Council (NGC) followed the party’s constitution.
“The National Delegates Conference is held once every five years. In between, the NGC is the body allowed to ratify Central Committee decisions, and that is what happened in Mombasa,” he explained.
He revealed that the next national delegates conference, scheduled for October 31, 2026, will decide who will lead the party for the foreseeable future, as that election will be binding.
The legislature also expressed the party’s commitment to safeguarding Raila Odinga’s legacy, affirming that they cannot disappoint Raila even in death; challenging the party loyalists to work to make ODM a stronger party.
The MP described ODM as a national party guided by firm ideologies, with elected leaders across all regions in the country.
Masara, however, defended the party’s decision to join the broad-based government, saying it allows ODM to negotiate from within.
“We were on the streets to demand resources and inclusivity. Now we have half of the resources,” he said.
He cautioned those calling for renewed protests, stressing that demonstrations had previously resulted in deaths, injuries and long-term disabilities among residents.
“We cannot go back to the streets,” Masara said firmly. “Those who want protests must show us the endgame. We have been there before, and we were not meant to stay there forever,” said the MP.
He said the ODM party would continue working with President William Ruto’s administration until 2027, after which they would negotiate their political direction.
“We joined the broad-based government based on a 10-point agenda; to strengthen devolution, lower the cost of living, end abductions, promote inclusivity and rule of law,” he added.
The MP also defended Governor Gladys Wanga’s position as ODM Chairperson, saying she was appointed by Raila Odinga and had shown strong leadership.
“Women must be given opportunities to serve, and Wanga has shown that she can mobilise the party effectively across the country,” he said.
The lawmaker reaffirmed that ODM remains vibrant, nationally visible and focused on strengthening its political structures.
By Polycarp Ochieng and Makokha Khaoya
