Junet Mohamed Draws a Line in the Sand: “Shape Up or Ship Out” for ODM Members

By Senior Political Affairs Correspondent

In a strongly worded address that underscores deepening tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Suna East MP and National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed has issued a political ultimatum to party members, warning that those who stray from the party’s core mission should reconsider their place within the organisation. 

Speaking on Sunday during an ODM rally in Kakamega County, Junet stressed that the party’s founding purpose was to contest and exercise political power, not to operate like a charitable organisation or a civil society entity. “Baba didn’t fight for ODM to be an NGO,” he declared, emphasising his belief that some party members have lost sight of the movement’s original goals. 

A Clear Message on Party Discipline

Junet’s comments appear directed at a faction within ODM that has been reluctant to embrace dialogue with rival political parties, particularly the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) led by President William Ruto. He defended the party’s decision — endorsed by its Central Committee — to engage in broad-based political talks, insisting that such negotiations are necessary for ODM to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 general election cycle. 

“Its a party of law and order,” Junet said, criticising calls from some leaders for confrontational street mobilisation. He painted these approaches as counterproductive and urged unity behind party organs and resolutions. 

Power, Not Charity

Highlighting the party’s status as a vehicle for political influence, the MP declared that ODM was structured to seek, win and exercise governance, not to become an organisation primarily associated with relief work or activism detached from political leadership. “If you want to create an NGO, go do that — leave ODM to us,” he said, warning internal dissenters that their ambitions must align with the party’s mission or risk alienation. 

Observers interpret Junet’s remarks as an attempt to reinforce party discipline at a time when divisions over strategy — including how aggressively to oppose or negotiate with the government — are becoming more pronounced. With the 2027 elections approaching, the tension highlights the broader struggle within ODM: whether to pursue a hard-line oppositional stance or adopt a more pragmatic, coalition-based approach. 

Internal Dynamics and Wider Implications

Junet’s positioning follows several reports this month indicating mounting frustrations among party members and leaders over direction and unity. Tensions have surfaced around leadership decisions and the pace of internal consensus-building, with some senior figures urging caution in engaging with government allies while others counsel strategic flexibility. 

Political analysts note that Junet’s warning could shape how the ODM manages internal disagreements in the run-up to next year’s election — either consolidating a disciplined base or exposing further fault lines if dissent persists.

In Summary

• Junet Mohamed issued a stern directive to ODM members, emphasising discipline and unity ahead of the 2027 elections. 

• He rejected the notion that ODM should function like a non-governmental organisation, reaffirming its political mission. 

• The comments reflect ongoing strategic debates within the party about engagement with rival parties and internal cohesion.