Fresh divisions have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Uriri Constituency after a section of branch officials announced the suspension of Branch Chairman Mr. Evans Ogutu Ouma over alleged misconduct and insubordination.
The resolutions were reportedly reached during an Uriri ODM Branch Executive Committee meeting held on May 8, 2026, where officials accused the chairman of making unilateral political pronouncements, creating parallel party structures, and acting contrary to the official party position.
According to minutes of the meeting circulated to the media, the gathering discussed three key agenda items including acquisition of new office premises, the conduct of the branch chairman, and other party matters.
The meeting was attended by branch officials led by Vice Chairperson Mr. Galus Ouma alongside several executive committee members among them Mr. Luke Nyobuoyo, Ms. Emily Otieno, Ms. Mary Obewa, Mr. Bernard Omondi, Mr. Argwens Obor Otieno, Mr. Daniel Omuoso, Mr. William Ojalla, Mr. Peter Otieno, Mr. Charles Aloo Muga, Ms. Hellen Oyaro, Mr. Kenneth Nyakiti, Mr. Alloys Okuku, Mr. Kennedy Kado, Mr. George Ouda and Mr. John Oiro.
The officials resolved that the branch urgently secures new office premises after the current offices were allegedly repossessed by the owners.
“Since the branch office premises has been taken over by its owners, it has been resolved that new office premises be found soonest possible but not later than 20th May 2026,” part of the resolution read.
Accusations Against the Chairman
The committee accused Mr. Evans Ogutu Ouma of repeatedly issuing political statements on social media without consultation with branch officials.
In one of the resolutions, members referenced a Facebook post allegedly made by the chairman on April 8, 2026, where he reportedly declared:“As ODM Chair Uriri Branch, we do not support zoning. It’s for the weak.”
According to the officials, the remarks did not represent the official position of the ODM branch leadership since the matter had neither been tabled nor discussed by the executive committee.
The committee further accused the chairman of openly associating with the Linda Wanchi faction within ODM contrary to directives from the party leadership urging members to rally behind ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga.
Branch officials also alleged that the chairman had been holding secret meetings with former ODM Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna aimed at organizing a political rally in Migori County without the consent of the branch leadership.
Additionally, the officials accused Mr. Ouma of sidelining grassroots party officials during public functions and creating parallel party factions within the constituency.
“Failure to recognize party grassroots officials whenever he appears at public functions is intended to kill the party in Uriri Branch.
Since taking over as the Branch Chairman, he has created two parallel party factions at all the five sub-branches,” the committee stated.
Following the deliberations, the executive committee resolved to suspend Mr. Evans Ogutu Ouma as the Uriri ODM Branch Chairman with immediate effect pending disciplinary proceedings under the ODM Party Constitution.
Mr. Argwens Obor Otieno was subsequently appointed to act as interim branch chairman pending further directions.
Leaders Dismiss Suspension as Illegal
However, the suspension has already triggered sharp resistance from another section of ODM leaders in Uriri who have dismissed the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Uriri ODM Branch Organising Secretary Mr. Bernard Omondi Gwonyo faulted the process used to suspend the chairman, arguing that the meeting was irregular and did not comply with party procedures.
“The suspension remains null and void since the meeting was not convened in line with the party constitution. No proper procedure was followed as far as I am concerned,” said Gwonyo.
Nominated MCA Mr. Chris Kwenya also came to the defense of Mr. Ouma, terming the suspension a political witch hunt allegedly orchestrated by individuals pursuing selfish political interests within the party.
“This is a political witch hunt that has no blessing from the party hierarchy. The alleged documents were not signed and are therefore unofficial,” said Kwenya.
The MCA further warned against attempts to divide ODM supporters in Uriri, urging party members to remain united despite the emerging internal wrangles.
The unfolding standoff now exposes deepening factional battles within ODM in Migori County as political alignments continue to shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political observers say the dispute could further widen divisions within the party unless the ODM national leadership intervenes to restore order and reconcile the warring factions.
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