Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has sounded the alarm over the state of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), warning that the party is on the brink of collapse if urgent steps are not taken to restore unity and ideological direction.

Speaking during a weekend political event, Amisi likened the situation in ODM to a “Disco Matanga”, a funeral dance held after death, suggesting the party is merely going through motions as it awaits its demise.

“As we speak, we are experiencing ‘Disco Matanga’ in ODM. Basically, it is dead; we are now dancing, waiting for the burial day. That’s what is happening. Something must be done urgently,” he declared.

Amisi, however, called for respect for ODM leader Raila Odinga, despite internal ideological disagreements, especially from younger party members. He criticized those who insult Raila online, urging them to acknowledge his historical role in Kenya’s democratic journey.

“Some of us respect former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. As much as we don’t agree, you’ll never hear me abusing him because he has a space in history. But young people do not understand that,” Amisi said.

His remarks come at a time when ODM appears to be heading toward a major internal rupture—arguably the most serious in its 22-year history.

Factions Emerging as Party Faces Deepening Rift

The growing tension within ODM has recently escalated into visible factionalism, with party heavyweights from Western and Nyanza regions now leading opposing camps. At the center of the storm is Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s firm stance against supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

Sifuna’s position, which he publicly reiterated last week, seems to contradict remarks by Raila Odinga hinting at possible support for Ruto, especially if he succeeds in clinching the African Union Commission chairmanship.

This divergence in political direction has sparked open rivalry within the party. Over the weekend, the split was laid bare as the two camps held parallel meetings in Kisumu and Kakamega counties.

In Kakamega, MPs aligned with Sifuna threw their weight behind the Nairobi senator during a county delegates’ meeting, insisting that Raila’s deal with President Ruto was no longer tenable. They also expressed concern over the party’s lack of a clear succession strategy and ideological focus.

As internal tensions grow louder, pressure is mounting on ODM’s leadership to address the widening rift. With factions forming around future alliances and the question of Raila’s role in 2027, the party’s long-standing unity is under serious threat.

Whether ODM can weather this political storm—or whether it’s truly on its way to a “burial,” as Amisi warned—remains to be seen.