A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders from Kajiado County have cautioned the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) against fronting a candidate in the county, insisting that Kajiado remains an ODM stronghold under the broad-based government arrangement.
The leaders argued that allowing UDA to contest in the region would undermine the spirit of political cooperation between the two parties and weaken ODM’s grip on a county it has dominated politically for years.
Calls for Unity in Kajiado
Speaking during a meeting with the Ilmirishi age set, Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho, who is seeking the governorship on an ODM ticket, emphasized the need to protect Kajiado from both internal and external political interference.
Moshisho urged Governor Joseph ole Lenku to support the Ilmirishi age set, noting that the group had played a pivotal role in backing him during his two terms in office. He added that the time had come for the age set to be rewarded with leadership opportunities.
Leaders from the Ilmirishi age set echoed the call, declaring their readiness to assume leadership roles across the county, from the governorship and senate to Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions.
ODM’s Internal Disagreements
The warning comes at a time when ODM is grappling with growing internal disagreements over its cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration under the broad-based government framework.
- Some leaders have openly questioned the arrangement.
- Others have accused the party leadership of sidelining grassroots supporters and traditional strongholds.
These tensions have played out publicly in several regions, raising concerns among ODM loyalists that continued internal wrangles could weaken the party’s influence ahead of the next general election.
Kajiado Leaders’ Concerns
In Kajiado, ODM leaders cautioned that any attempt by UDA to assert political dominance in the county could deepen unease within ODM ranks and further strain grassroots unity.
They maintained that respecting ODM zones of influence, such as Kajiado, would help preserve stability within the broad-based political arrangement and prevent further fragmentation of the party.
Conclusion
As ODM navigates internal divisions and external political pressures, Kajiado leaders are positioning themselves as defenders of the party’s strongholds. Their warning to UDA underscores the delicate balance within Kenya’s evolving political landscape, where cooperation frameworks must contend with grassroots realities and regional loyalties.
