NAIROBI, Kenya – Vocal Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has called out the top leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), claiming that he has been sidelined from the party’s political activities.
Speaking to Radio Generation, Amisi, who is serving his second term in office, further claimed that he had been removed from the party’s WhatsApp group by minority leader and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
“I don’t know why he (Junet) selected me. Are you the only one who was removed? I think Edwin Sifuna and other opposing members are still there. He only removed me. I think I was making too much noise,” said the MP.
Amisi observed that he may have been removed from the ODM WhatsApp group owing to his outspoken nature.
“I was causing chaos. For those who don’t know me, I’m very lethal. I’m the most lethal person. You know it’s not about shouting. I can just say one sentence that can cause chaos. So now I have been kept in the dark,” added Amisi.
MP Caleb Amisi takes a jibe at ODM’s top leadership
The youthful MP allied to the Senator Edwin Sifuna-led ‘Linda Mwanchi’ faction claimed that he doesn’t know when the party holds its meetings.
“But you know I pay because every month I’m deducted Sh 20,000 from my payslip, which goes directly to ODM. All these activities that were done in Kisumu and other parts of the country by the ‘Linda Ground’ faction – that is my money,” lamented Amisi.
He also observed that there appears to be a difference of opinion as to how certain matters should proceed within the Orange party.
“The difference in opinion is good for democracy. It is how you navigate that environment of people having different positions on certain issues of governance. I think ODM just veered off from the principles that started the party,” he stated.
Why MP Caleb Amisi and others joined ODM
The vocal politician disclosed that he, among other like-minded party members, was in ODM because of the late party leader, Raila Odinga.
“His (Raila) history of fighting for democracy, fighting for a new constitution, and being in prison for seven years for fighting for governance. And there is a history to that. Without Raila Odinga, I don’t think any other person is remaining in ODM with such credentials,” added Amisi.
Amisi also disclosed that the reason why he personally joined ODM was Raila’s way of also running his party.
“He used to know all of us. But these other people will say, now what is the use of this young man from Trans Nzoia telling us? Let him go away. So the way Raila used to run the party, people could not tell. You will see that somebody will be very annoyed and everybody wants him to go. But he would still keep him because he knows the reason why he is that person. In a democratic process or venture where the numbers matter, you will still keep him. Because it’s a matter of numbers,” explained Amisi.
ODM party fractured into two competing camps
In his own words, Amisi, who opened up about his journey to start the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ faction, said:
“So Raila used to know how to navigate that political environment. But the people who are remaining, unfortunately, don’t know. And that’s why I say ODM has gone. Completely gone.”
Following the passing of Raila, ODM has fractured into two dominant, competing factions: the “Linda Ground” (Pro-Government/Old Guard) faction and the “Linda Mwananchi” (Youthful Opposition/Rebel) faction.
The primary differences between these factions revolve around state cooperation, generational leadership, and 2027 electoral strategies.
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