President William Ruto used the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) 20th-anniversary gala in Mombasa to deliver a light-hearted yet definitive response to rumors of him joining the party, even as deep internal divisions over ODM’s future were exposed.

Ruto’s attendance at the ODM founders’ dinner on Saturday, November 15, marked a display of political unity under the broad-based government.

In a cheerful address, the President explained his choice of attire, a yellow Kaunda suit and an ODM orange-branded hat stating the attire was a symbolic gesture to quell the very speculation that he might defect from his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

“Unajua Simba Arati amezoea kusema wewe si utoke uko ukuje kwa ODM, nikasema watu wa UDA watafikiri nimehama acha nivae yellow ndio waone bado mimi niko,” Ruto said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

He added that mixing UDA’s yellow with ODM’s orange was a fashion statement representing the “broad-based” coalition while also reinforcing his commitment to the coalition. The head of state also praised ODM members serving in his administration.

“I want to assure you that you will not lack any network to access the government,” he added.

The celebratory dinner was set against a backdrop of a fierce internal struggle for the soul of ODM following the death of its leader, Raila Odinga. Senior leaders have split into two clear factions.

There is a pro-government faction led by Party leader Oburu Oginga, this group includes Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho, John Mbadi, and Opiyo Wandayi. They argue that Raila Odinga deliberately positioned the party inside the government and expect it to stay there. Dr. Oginga has stated that while the arrangement could be renegotiated in 2027, for now, the party would remain in the coalition.

On the other hand is a pro-independence faction championed by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Winnie Odinga, this camp insists on caution and a return to the party’s opposition roots. They are pushing for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to let party members decide its direction, with many believing ODM must field its own presidential candidate in 2027.

The conflict has escalated into public spats, with Winnie Odinga questioning the capability of those now managing the relationship with Ruto, while Governor Orengo has boldly declared, “It is not ODM that needs Ruto; it is Ruto that needs ODM”.

Despite the internal turmoil, President Ruto’s attendance underscored the historical and current political ties between him and ODM. He is recognized as a founding member of the party, and his presence, alongside senior members of his administration, highlighted the importance he places on this alliance.