His strong words have added more pressure to a party already struggling with divisions and disagreements.
Nabulindo spoke on Thursday, November 20, while addressing residents in Matungu. He said he fully supports the broad-based government arrangement that ODM entered during the time of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
According to him, Raila encouraged cooperation with President William Ruto's administration before his passing.
Because of that, Nabulindo believes there is no reason for ODM to end the partnership now.
“I am an ODM MP, but I decided to support the broad-based government because Raila himself gave such directions. Those now leading ODM, if they choose to break the ties, they will do it alone,” Nabulindo said.
He strongly criticised ODM members who are pushing the party to return to street protests.
He said that people in Western Kenya have agreed to support the broad-based arrangement and will not go back to maandamano.
“As the people of Western, we have agreed that we will stay in the broad-based arrangement. There is no going back to the streets in the name of maandamano,” he said.
Nabulindo questioned why some leaders are calling for protests at a time when the government has already made progress in sectors like water, electricity, and affordable housing.
He said the current administration had achieved these improvements in just three years, proving that cooperation between ODM and the government had brought results.
The MP warned that if ODM leaders, especially those from Nyanza, decide to pull out of the agreement and return to opposition politics, he will have no choice but to walk away from the party.
“We will remain in the broad-based government. If leaders from Nyanza choose the streets again, we will leave ODM for them and support Ruto’s administration,” he stated.
His remarks come at a time when several ODM leaders are openly questioning the party’s relationship with President Ruto’s government.
Among the loudest critics is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has repeatedly warned that ODM risks collapsing if it continues working with the government.
Babu Owino believes that the spirit of opposition is being lost and that the party cannot hold the government accountable while working closely with it.
Siaya Governor James Orengo also expressed concerns recently. He questioned the credibility of the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Orengo said the agreement lacked clarity and transparency, and he warned that ODM must protect its identity.
The growing disagreement shows how difficult it has become for ODM to maintain unity after the death of Raila Odinga.
With different leaders pulling in different directions, the future of the party appears uncertain.
Nabulindo’s threat to quit is one more sign that ODM must act quickly to address internal fears, rebuild trust, and define its position ahead of the next General Election.
Whether the party chooses cooperation or returns to full opposition, the coming months will determine its strength and survival.
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