Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates in Nyando Constituency have disowned their MP, Jared Okello, over remarks reportedly backing President William Ruto’s re-election without conditions.
The delegates insist that any political cooperation between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) must be anchored in a formal written agreement outlining the terms, obligations and benefits of the partnership.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting in Nyando, the delegates accused Okello of making unilateral political statements that did not reflect the party’s position.
Led by Kisumu County Assembly Majority Leader and Ahero Ward MCA Ken Ooko, they said no individual member had the authority to announce the party’s political position without consulting its recognised leadership structures.
Ooko, who read a statement on behalf of the delegates, described the remarks attributed to Okello as misguided, warning that they risked undermining ODM’s collective decision-making process.
“ODM cannot and must not enter into any political arrangement without a clear, written and mutually agreed framework that defines its terms, objectives, obligations and mechanisms for accountability,” he said.
He said the existing cooperation agreement between ODM and UDA should not be treated as a blank cheque, adding that any partnership must be based on mutual respect, shared priorities and tangible benefits for Kenyans.
Ooko cited previous political arrangements involving ODM, including its cooperation with KANU, the Grand Coalition government, the handshake arrangement and its recent engagement with Kenya Kwanza.
He said the party’s late leader, Raila Odinga, had consistently emphasised the importance of formal agreements in political partnerships.
The delegates called on ODM’s National Executive Committee and relevant disciplinary organs to investigate Okello’s remarks and take appropriate action if he is found to have violated the party constitution.
“Individual political opinions must not be presented as the official position of ODM where they depart from resolutions adopted or pending adoption by the party’s legitimate structures,” Ooko said.
The delegates also reaffirmed their support for party leader Oburu Oginga and national chairperson Gladys Wanga, saying the two, together with other recognised party organs, were mandated to determine the party’s political direction.
Nyando ODM Women chairperson Caren Nyangoya said Okello’s reported remarks were unacceptable, arguing that he had no authority to make unconditional political commitments on behalf of party members.
She challenged the MP to explain who had authorised him to speak on behalf of his constituents, saying Nyando residents and ODM supporters deserved to be consulted on major political decisions.
Nyangoya said the party was not opposed to engaging UDA but insisted that negotiations must be transparent and backed by a written agreement that safeguards ODM’s interests.
Nyando ODM youth leader Benard Awuor also distanced the delegates from Okello’s reported position, saying they remained committed to the party’s established decision-making structures.
Awuor said the youth supported structured negotiations with UDA ahead of the next General Election but maintained that any agreement must clearly spell out the terms of cooperation.
He warned that unconditional support could weaken ODM’s bargaining position and leave its members without firm guarantees in any future political arrangement.
ODM supporter Danish Odie said Nyando residents would not blindly follow political declarations made by their elected representatives.
He argued that political partnerships were driven by negotiations and competing interests, making it necessary for ODM to protect its position through a formal agreement deposited with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
Odie said such a document would provide a basis for holding both parties accountable and ensuring that ODM received its fair share of any political arrangement.
The delegates maintained that their position should not be interpreted as opposition to dialogue or cooperation with the ruling party.
Instead, they said they were demanding accountability, transparency and respect for democratic processes within ODM.
They warned that allowing individual politicians to make unilateral political declarations could deepen divisions within the party at a time when it was preparing for the next electoral contest.
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