Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has cautioned against attempts to transform the Linda Mwananchi movement into a political party, warning that such a move could weaken the opposition and indirectly boost President William Ruto’s chances of re-election.
Speaking during an interview, Natembeya addressed the ongoing divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing the situation as an internal party matter that opposition leaders are closely watching.
The governor, who distanced himself from either faction within the party, said the current disagreements appear to have split ODM into two main camps. One group supports the broad-based government arrangement with President Ruto, while the other faction strongly opposes it.
“On the story about Linda Mwananchi, I have never been in any of those events. This is basically an internal ODM issue and how they are relating with the government. For us in Azimio, we are basically bystanders viewing how events are unfolding and we hope it ends well,” Natembeya said.
According to the governor, one faction within the party supports the current broad-based arrangement being overseen by interim party leader Oburu Oginga. Another faction, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, has expressed opposition to the cooperation agreement.
Within the emerging divisions, Sifuna has been linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement, while another group known as Linda Ground supports engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Natembeya observed that those opposing the arrangement within ODM are largely raising concerns similar to those expressed earlier when former party leader Raila Odinga joined the broad-based government.
However, the outspoken governor warned that converting the Linda Mwananchi movement into a political party would significantly weaken the opposition by splitting votes.
“My personal view is that it will be a disaster because their views are basically the views of the opposition. As the opposition, we want to be united,” he said.
He added that the formation of another political party within the opposition space would divide support and could ultimately benefit President Ruto politically.
“If they branch off and form another wing of opposition, they are going to reduce our votes and inevitably help Ruto get another term. I would greatly discourage that type of direction,” Natembeya stated.
The remarks come at a time when tensions continue to grow within ODM over the implementation of the 10-point agenda agreed between the party and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
On Wednesday, Senator Edwin Sifuna criticised a briefing held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, describing it as a “charade” and claiming the agreement had not been implemented as promised.
Sifuna further stated that his faction plans to present what he described as a “true report” outlining failures in implementing the agreement.
