A section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is demanding disciplinary action against the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General, Hassan Omar, over his reckless remarks about election rigging.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

While speaking during a Mombasa engagement on Thursday, the ODM representatives, led by their county chairman, Mohamed Khamis, accused Omar’s remarks of attempting to disrupt unity and harmony among their members.

They called for decisive action against Omar over what they described as divisive remarks, including his recent comment that “even the dead would rise to ensure President William Ruto wins.”

“We, as the ODM caucus of the Coast, are demanding disciplinary action against the UDA SG Hassan Omar against hi loose and reckless tongue. We as are a party that champions democracy, and the ideals of Omar are way against ours as ODM,” stated Khamis.

📌 What You Need to Know

The members said their efforts to campaign for President William Ruto's second-term bid under the broad-based arrangement were being undermined by remarks attributed to UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar. They cited his recent comments that “even the dead would rise to ensure President William Ruto wins”, which Omar has since said were metaphorical.

The leaders also questioned what they described as attacks on ODM officials by some members of the broad-based arrangement, arguing that political partners should instead focus on developing a common agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.

They called on their political partners to clarify how ODM should be regarded within the arrangement as the two sides continue discussions on their cooperation ahead of the polls.

“ODM leaders and members are touring Mombasa County, explaining the President's policies and what he intends to do for us as he seeks a second term. However, it is disheartening to see that those with whom we share a broad-based arrangement lack a substantive agenda; their only agenda is attacking ODM leaders. We respectfully ask them to decide whether we are their partners or our adversaries,” Khamis added.

The leaders also dismissed suggestions that ODM was opposed to political competition, challenging UDA and other parties to field candidates in areas where they believed they had sufficient support.

The disagreement comes amid differences between ODM and UDA over the proposed sharing of electoral seats ahead of the 2027 General Election. ODM leaders have pushed for the protection of areas they consider traditional strongholds, while UDA has maintained that political parties should be free to field candidates across the country.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke