Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has sharply criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing the party of abandoning its founding ideals at a time when Kenyans expect strong opposition leadership.
Speaking on KTN News on Thursday 23rd April 2026 after a high-level meeting between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) at State House, Nairobi, Salasya expressed concern over what he termed as inconsistency in the party’s political stance.
“ODM has at present strayed from the principles upon which it was founded,” he said, adding that the party’s shifting position between opposition and cooperation with the government has weakened its oversight role.
According to the legislator, the current political posture has had direct consequences on accountability structures.
“At one moment, the party positions itself in the opposition and at another, it seeks to align with the government.
As a result, those of us tasked with providing oversight have been removed from committees. This demonstrates that the party has lost its focus,” he stated.
Salasya further warned that the party risks losing its identity if it continues on the same trajectory. “The party was never meant to operate within a comfort zone but to challenge the status quo and champion reform,” he said.
The MP maintained that his priority remains the interests of ordinary citizens. “At the moment, I stand with the people of Kenya and my focus remains on addressing their concerns.
I am particularly committed to issues affecting Mumias, while also speaking to broader national challenges. This country needs to be fixed,” he added.
His remarks come in the wake of a joint consultative meeting co-chaired by President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Odinga.
The talks brought together top organs from both parties and centred on collaboration, shared policy priorities, and the possibility of forming a coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Party officials indicated that the meeting resolved to enhance structured engagement and establish a joint management team to coordinate legislative and executive agendas.
