The fragile unity of the Azimio la Umoja coalition is fracturing under the weight of internal power struggles, as "clandestine" moves to install a new leadership lineup in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) spark a fierce backlash. A faction loyal to party veterans has been accused of bypassing the National Delegates Conference (NDC) to handpick successors, a move that has rattled the party's youthful contenders and deepened the rift within the opposition.

At the center of the storm is a group allegedly led by Oburu Oginga, which has been maneuvering to install a preferred slate of leaders. This "boardroom coup" has not gone down well with the rank and file, particularly the ambitious younger politicians who view themselves as the rightful heirs to Raila Odinga’s political machinery. The decision to bypass the NDC—the party’s supreme decision-making organ—is being viewed as a betrayal of democratic principles and a desperate attempt by the old guard to cling to power.

The "Clandestine" Lineup

Sources within the party reveal that the new lineup was crafted in secrecy, effectively locking out popular contenders who have been mobilizing support at the grassroots. The "Oburu team" is accused of prioritizing loyalty over popularity, a strategy that risks alienating the party's massive support base ahead of the 2027 elections. "We will not accept leadership imposed on us in dark corners," a youth leader from Kibra stated, reflecting the growing sentiment of rebellion.

The move comes at a time when ODM is already grappling with an identity crisis following its cooperation with the government. The youthful contenders, whose "fast-rising popularity rattles seasoned politicians," are demanding an open contest. They argue that the party needs fresh blood to reinvigorate its base, rather than recycling the same faces that have dominated the scene for decades.

A House Divided

The backlash is not just internal; it threatens the cohesion of the wider Azimio coalition. Partner parties are watching the unfolding drama with unease, fearing that an implosion in ODM—the coalition's anchor—could sink the entire ship. The accusations of "clandestine" decisions mirror previous complaints about a lack of transparency in the coalition's top organs.

• The Trigger: A secret move to install new party officials without an NDC.
• The Players: The "Oburu team" vs. youthful grassroots contenders.
• The Stakes: Control of the opposition machinery ahead of 2027.

As the dust settles, the question remains: Can ODM survive this internal civil war? The seasoned politicians may have the experience, but the youth have the energy and the numbers. Unless the party leadership opens up the space for a fair contest, the "clandestine" decisions of today may sow the seeds of a disastrous defeat tomorrow.