David Ole Sankok, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), on Monday, April 20, urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to dissolve its party structure and join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Sankok argued that since ODM is already operating within a broad-based government arrangement, merging with UDA would be a strategic move ahead of the August 2027 elections.
He maintained that such a realignment would strengthen the ruling coalition’s position and improve its chances of retaining power against the United Opposition.
EALA MP David Ole Sankok calls on ODM to disband and merge with UDA. Photo: Courtesy.
The EALA legislator further claimed that a similar political strategy had previously delivered electoral success, citing the formation of the Jubilee Party ahead of the 2017 elections as an example.
He added that the consolidation of parties into a single political formation had historically proven effective in securing victory, pointing to past mergers such as the absorption of the ANC into UDA, and urged ODM to follow the same path to reinforce the broad-based movement.
The remarks by the lawmaker came at a time of rising political tension between ODM and UDA following claims that some leaders within the ruling party were undermining ODM.
During the ODM Youth Convention in Nairobi, party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga firmly dismissed calls for ODM to be absorbed by other political formations, insisting that the party remains a strong national movement capable of standing on its own in elections.
He emphasized that ODM would not be overshadowed by any other party and vowed that it would defend all its electoral seats in the upcoming polls.
He also strongly rejected claims that the party was being politically compromised, stressing its continued growth and resilience.
The senator further criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over allegations that he had suggested ODM leaders were aligning the party with President William Ruto, warning that he would pursue legal action unless evidence was provided.
He also reassured the party’s youth wing that ODM would prioritize young people in future coalition negotiations and internal party elections.
