Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has publicly advised Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members who wish to back President William Ruto to formally leave the party and join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking on Monday, Omondi said the move would clarify political allegiances and prevent internal conflicts within ODM ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Anybody who feels very strongly in ODM that they want to join UDA and support President Ruto, the best option for them is to just resign and go to UDA,” he stated.
Suba South MP also revealed ODM plans to demand deputy president position.
Omondi’s comments come amid rising tensions in ODM, where reports suggest some members are quietly sympathizing with UDA’s agenda and presidential ambitions.
The MP argued that staying in ODM while supporting an opposing presidential candidate undermines party unity and could create confusion among constituents.
He added that formal resignation would allow members to openly campaign for President Ruto without fear of disciplinary action from ODM.
Political analysts note that Omondi’s statement reflects growing factionalism in Kenya’s main opposition party as the 2027 elections approach.
Some ODM officials have previously warned against defection, saying members attempting to support rival candidates risk being expelled or losing party positions.
Omondi, however, insisted that moving to UDA is a practical step for members whose political beliefs align with President Ruto’s development agenda.
“political loyalty must match one’s actions. If your conviction is with UDA, it is better to make it official rather than creating ambiguity,” he emphasized.
Observers say the Suba South MP’s remarks may embolden other members contemplating a switch, especially in regions where UDA is gaining popularity.
He did not name any specific ODM members currently supporting Ruto but suggested that internal discussions may have prompted his advice.
This development comes after a series of defections from opposition parties, highlighting shifting alliances and strategic repositioning ahead of the next presidential contest.
Omondi’s comments have triggered debates on social media, with some praising the clarity, while others argue it may deepen divisions within ODM.
Political commentators warn that such public statements could intensify the battle for grassroots support, particularly in key counties that influence national election outcomes.
For ODM, the challenge remains maintaining cohesion as defections and rival party support threaten to weaken its electoral strength.
Meanwhile, UDA leaders have welcomed defectors from opposition parties in the past, emphasizing a merit-based approach to joining and contributing to party campaigns.
Omondi’s statement reinforces the expectation that party membership and political allegiance must align clearly, especially for those eyeing influential roles in upcoming elections.
The MP concluded that transparency in political choices is vital for both personal credibility and the democratic process.
Party watchers say the Suba South MP’s remarks may mark the beginning of an intensified period of political realignments in Kenya.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, it is expected that more politicians will publicly declare their loyalties, shaping the competitive landscape for both ODM and UDA.
Omondi’s advice underscores the broader question of whether Kenyan political parties can retain members amid competing national interests.
His statement may influence grassroots ODM supporters who are weighing whether to stay with the party or back the incumbent president.
Ultimately, political observers argue, these developments reveal the fluidity of Kenya’s political landscape and the importance of decisive, public declarations of allegiance.
The debate triggered by Omondi’s remarks is likely to continue, with both ODM and UDA monitoring the situation closely as part of their strategic preparations for the next general elections.
