Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament Anthony Kibagendi has launched a sharp attack on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing the party of abandoning its founding ideals through its cooperation with President William Ruto's administration.
Speaking during an interview with a local television station on Monday, July 27, 2026, Kibagendi argued that the political cooperation between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was established before Odinga's death and was intended solely to stabilise the country following the nationwide Gen Z protests of June 25, 2024.
“It’s when the Prime Minister was alive, the late Prime Minister, that this union was born with the President. So it’s not a union that was born after his death. It was born purely to stabilise the country,” Kibagendi said.
“The partnership was never meant to redefine ODM,” he added.
According to the legislator, Raila agreed to work with the government to restore calm during a period of heightened political and social tension, rather than to permanently align ODM with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Kibagendi maintained that the original objective of the arrangement has since been lost, accusing some ODM leaders of abandoning the party's core values.
“The ideals of ODM, the principles of ODM, have been shelved. These people are living on borrowed values,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing discontent within sections of ODM over its continued cooperation with the government, with leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi faction signalling plans to establish a new political outfit ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kibagendi also alleged that some ODM leaders have become overly reliant on State House, claiming they receive financial support to organise political activities.
“They line up at State House to pick up money for weekend rallies and weekend empowerment programmes,” he said.
The debate over ODM's political direction continues to divide opinion, with supporters of the cooperation arguing it has helped reduce political tensions and create space for national dialogue.
