During a high-stakes broad-based retreat in Naivasha, ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga delivered an uncompromising lecture to party leaders expressing hesitation over collaborating with President William Ruto.
Speaking directly in front of the Head of State, Oburu challenged internal critics to stop sitting on the fence and publicly commit to the governing partnership.
The sharp warning follows growing friction within the Orange party over its working arrangement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Leaders such as Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and former Secretary General Edwin Sifuna have repeatedly voiced concerns regarding electoral zoning and party independence ahead of 2027.
Addressing the retreat delegation, Oburu insisted that the party will no longer tolerate members who oppose the broad-based government while attempting to remain inside the party's leadership structure. He urged lawmakers to state their positions clearly so the party hierarchy knows who stands with the administration.
"We must urge that let us be straightforward," Oburu stated firmly during his address. "If you have an issue that you want to raise, raise it honestly. Do not be a fence sitter. Decide where you are because we want to know who is with us and who is not with us."
Oburu defended ODM's working relationship with President Ruto as a pragmatic decision following the outcome of the 2022 General Election.
He acknowledged that while both sides engaged in fierce political contests in the past, national interest and governance require constructive cooperation.
He noted that the political landscape had transformed dramatically since post-election street demonstrations, describing the current alliance as an essential umbilical cord uniting former rivals.
In his view, continuing to challenge executive cooperation from within damages party discipline and undermines national stability.
The public dressing-down highlights widening generational and ideological fault lines inside the country's largest opposition party.
While senior stalwarts favor consolidating power inside the executive, younger lawmakers and reformists insist on preserving independent oversight to safeguard constituent interests.
With political realignments gathering pace ahead of the 2027 General Election, Oburu's ultimatum signals a decisive push to enforce party alignment.
How dissenting members respond to the call for total loyalty will likely define the future structure of both ODM and the broader governing coalition.