NAIROBI — The simmering tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have boiled over into a public spat. Saitabao Ole Kanchory, the fiery former chief agent for Raila Odinga, has thrown down the gauntlet to Oburu Oginga, daring the veteran politician to stop straddling the fence and officially defect to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Kanchory’s challenge strikes at the heart of the identity crisis currently engulfing ODM. With the so-called "broad-based" government arrangement bringing ODM luminaries into Ruto’s cabinet, loyalists like Kanchory see a betrayal of the opposition’s soul. He accuses Oburu—Raila’s elder brother—of being the architect of this cozy relationship, effectively weakening the party from within while pretending to champion its cause.

The "Mole" Allegation

"You cannot serve two masters," Kanchory declared in a stinging critique. "If Oburu believes so much in Ruto’s agenda, he should have the courage to pick a UDA ticket and leave ODM to those who still believe in opposition." The statement reflects a growing sentiment among the ODM rank-and-file that the party’s leadership has been co-opted by the state, leaving the grassroots rudderless.

Oburu Oginga has defended the cooperation as necessary for national stability, but Kanchory views it as political opportunism. By daring Oburu to quit, Kanchory is trying to force a realignment—to separate the "collaborators" from the "liberators." It is a high-stakes gamble that could fracture the party further.

• The Accusation: Kanchory claims Oburu is sanitizing the UDA regime while using ODM as a convenient vehicle for political relevance.
• The Context: The "handshake" politics have blurred the lines between government and opposition, creating confusion among voters.
• The Consequence: If Oburu were to leave, it would symbolize the end of the Odinga family’s absolute grip on opposition politics, but it could also liberate the party to rebuild.

A Fight for the Soul of ODM

This is more than just a war of words; it is a battle for the soul of Kenya’s largest political movement. As the 2027 elections loom on the horizon, the question of "who is truly ODM" becomes critical. Kanchory represents the faction that wants to return to the trenches of resistance, while Oburu represents the path of accommodation.

For now, Oburu remains put, but the challenge has been issued. The silence from the party’s top organs is deafening, suggesting that Kanchory may be speaking what many others are only whispering.