Internal conflict has erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), threatening to fracture one of Kenya’s most prominent political parties.

The ongoing campaigns to select a new ODM Youth League chairperson have revealed deep divisions among party leadership, with competing factions backing different candidates and visions for the party’s future.

Following reports of John Ketora, the current ODM youth league chair’s retirement, two distinct camps have emerged within the party ranks.

One faction supports Sherine Omondi, a youth advocate, scholar, and one of the country’s youngest lecturers, and represents the ‘core’ party ideals. This group feels ODM should first strengthen its internal structures, including the youth league, which should be led by a strong independent voice, not a President’s puppet.

This camp believes the party does not have to support UDA in 2027 and may as well craft a new alliance for the presidency in 2027. It also feels it is time for a woman to lead the youth league, after 20 years of ODM.

Meanwhile, the opposing group, which favours the broad-based government arrangement, backs Kasmuel Mcoure, whose victory would essentially align the party’s youth wing behind President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

Notably, these factions have gained support from senior ODM figures, consequently dividing even the influential Oginga family between the two candidates.

The pro-broad-based government group argues that Raila Odinga left the party in a working relationship with President Ruto’s administration, and therefore, this alliance should continue beyond 2027.

What next for ODM?

Supporters argue that the party must address several critical questions. First, whether the party leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga, will assert sufficient authority to prevent further fragmentation within the outfit. Second, how the party balances cooperation withthe government against maintaining its distinct political identity.

The question now lingering in the minds of party members is whether the upcoming National Delegates Convention will heal divisions within the Orange Party or simply formalise the split between competing factions.

The outcome of this internal conflict will shape not just ODM’s future but potentially Kenya’s entire political landscape heading into the 2027 elections.