Split in ODM as Section of MPs Oppose Move to Oust PS Raymond Omollo from Ruto’s Govt

Several MPs belonging to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have come out against rising demands for the removal of Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo from President William Ruto’s cabinet, signalling underlying differences within the party.

According to these MPs, such action would threaten the inclusivity of minority ethnic groups in the Kenyan government.

Commenting amid rising political tensions within the ODM party, Suba North Lawmaker Millie Odhiambo dismissed calls to remove Omollo, saying they are unnecessary and harmful to regional interests.

“So whether it is a conjecture or a reality that there are people who would want P.S. Omollo to be removed from his position, I would discourage you from that thought. Perish the thought.”

Rekindling of Zoning Debate in ODM Strongholds

In addition, the discussion has also brought up issues concerning zoning in ODM strongholds, especially in the Nyanza Province.

Zoning, which refers to the unofficial practice that dictates the distribution of leadership slots among sub-provinces and communities, has always been a contentious topic within the political party.

According to Odhiambo, the opposition towards Omollo’s dismissal was also influenced by fears of discrimination, where communities from Luo Nyanza, Suba Nyanza, and Kuria regions felt that they had been continuously marginalized in previous governments.

“And the reason why I want to ask you to forget that thought is because we come from a marginalized area for many years,” Millie echoed.

“I will also be able to prove it to you through the report of the National Coalition on Integration, whereby Luo Nyanza, Suba Nyanza, and Kuria Nyanza have been marginalized areas by successive governments in terms of resources and leadership slots,” the vocal MP added.

Also Read:Gladys Wanga Slaps Sifuna with 8 Demands as ODM Moves to Discipline Him

Representation vs. Political Allegiance

The MP for Suba North went on to highlight the few regional leaders occupying significant posts within the government, singling out prominent individuals like John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi as evidence of progress that must not be undone but rather preserved.

“So, if we actually have a son or a daughter in a certain post, and I just want to thank God because we do have people like John Mbadi as C.S. Treasury or Opiyo Wandayi as C.S. Energy, and now we have P.S. Omollo. That’s how badly marginalized we are.”

Also Read:Akothee Warns Kenyans Against Insulting PS Raymond Omollo

Appeal for Protection of the Region’s Achievements

In the end, Odhiambo presented her stance as an appeal for unity on protecting the marginalized people in terms of representation in the national assembly.

“But the point I’m making is that as communities that have been marginalized, whether it is Nyanza Luo, Suba Luo, Kuria Luo, wherever we have positions, we need to protect our positions.”

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Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo in a past ODM event. PHOTO/ File