A longstanding leadership wrangle within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Uriri constituency, Migori County, has finally been resolved after months of internal divisions that had split the party into rival camps aligned to Governor Ochillo Ayacko and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita.
On Monday, March 2, the ODM elections board announced Evans Ogutu Ouma as the new Uriri branch chairperson following a harmonisation exercise aimed at ending the dispute. The constituency had been without a substantive chairperson after contested grassroots elections last year resulted in four rival factions and eventual nullification of the outcome.
The leadership standoff was widely linked to early positioning ahead of the 2027 Migori gubernatorial race, where Ayacko is expected to defend his seat amid growing opposition from leaders including Nyamita and Suna West MP Peter Masara.
Ogutu, who is perceived to be allied to Nyamita, defeated Charles Aloo Muga, who was associated with Governor Ayacko’s camp. Party officials said the harmonisation process was necessary to restore unity and prepare the party for upcoming activities, including the national delegates’ meeting scheduled for March 27.
Jack Omenda, a member of the Migori County ODM elections committee, confirmed that the rival factions had agreed to the new leadership structure, describing the matter as resolved. He noted that the dispute, which began in April last year and escalated to the party tribunal, required intervention to safeguard ODM’s grassroots strength.
Political observers in Migori argue that Ogutu’s elevation could shift the balance of power within the party at the constituency level. Analysts suggest the move may bolster Nyamita’s influence among delegates and grassroots structures, potentially complicating Ayacko’s re-election strategy.
Nyamita, who was expelled from ODM in 2024 for allegedly working with the government, has remained politically active in the region. Analysts believe having allies within key party structures could enhance his leverage as 2027 approaches.
Governor Ayacko, an ODM loyalist, is expected to rely on incumbency and party backing, though critics argue he faces growing scrutiny over development performance.
With the Uriri dispute now settled, ODM leaders hope the renewed unity will strengthen the party’s footing in Migori County and prevent further fragmentation ahead of what is shaping up to be a competitive electoral cycle.
