ODM acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo has warned that the party will not yield to pressure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in ongoing negotiations under the broad-based political arrangement.
Speaking during a radio interview, Omanyo warned UDA against bullying tactics and attempts to take over ODM strongholds as both parties navigate the political arrangement, insisting ODM would not allow intimidation or encroachment on its base.
“People might say whatever they want to say but ODM is not going to be like turkeys voting for Christmas, we have friends but we want to see if their handshake matches our smile. If you really need to understand that a friend will take you places it how they look what really matters to you most, since baba started this journey we have been through valleys and thorns, and as we keep looking at the scar we incur along the way we become wiser,” she said.
Acting ODM Sec Gen, Catherine Omanyo says they will not be bullied by UDA in the broad-based arrangement. pic.twitter.com/WD9OpqPBS6
— Naomi Waithira (@Naomikibandi) April 16, 2026
ODM leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, have also cautioned UDA against pushing “zoning” arrangements that would bar opposition candidates from contesting in Nyanza and other ODM strongholds.
The acting SG position has sparked internal friction within ODM, with Omanyo backed by some party leaders in challenging incumbent Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who has opposed working with UDA. Omanyo has also questioned Sifuna’s respect for party leadership.
Some ODM leaders fear the partnership with UDA could weaken the party’s identity, amid concerns that members serving in government may be compromised.
It is barely six months since ODM party leader Raila Odinga died, with emerging rifts and realignments raising concern over the party’s stability.
The developments follow Governor Gladys Wanga’s strong warning against UDA’s alleged infiltration into the Nyanza region, urging ODM to retain its seats ahead of the 2027 elections.
“As the National chairperson of Homabay party, I want to make it clear that this Homabay county is an ODM zone and the next time I see what happened at the funeral of Koyo where my party leader is seated and some people have come there shouting UDA, we will not agree or accept, it will not happen not under my watch,” Wanga said at a public event.
