The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing a fresh political challenge as internal disagreements, defections and emerging political formations threaten to reshape its influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The party, which dominated opposition politics under its late founding leader Raila Odinga, is experiencing a new political reality as different factions compete over its direction, leadership and future relationship with President William Ruto's administration.

The latest developments have raised questions about whether ODM can maintain its traditional support base while managing disagreements among senior politicians and members seeking alternative political platforms.

According to Daily Nation in a November 5 report, ODM has intensified efforts to deal with rebellious members and political fence-sitters as the party prepares for the next general election.

The publication reported that the party leadership, under Oburu Oginga, is demanding loyalty while strengthening its political structures through new membership recruitment.

The developments have placed several politicians in difficult positions, particularly those who disagree with the party's political cooperation with Ruto's United Democratic Alliance.

One of the most significant developments involves Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who officially joined ODM after leaving UDA.

His entry has complicated the political calculations surrounding Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has since joined the Mwananchi Party and expressed interest in becoming Nairobi governor.

Daily Nation reported that Babu had previously questioned whether ODM would conduct fair nominations, particularly given the party leadership's relationship with Sakaja.

The growing competition has also exposed disagreements over the political direction of ODM following the death of Raila.

The Star reported on November 3 that rival political camps associated with Oburu and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna were competing to inherit Raila's political networks and influence across his traditional strongholds.

While Oburu's faction is relying on ODM's established party structures, Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement is seeking to establish an alternative political platform.

The competition could have significant implications for ODM's traditional support bases in Nairobi, Western Kenya and Nyanza.

Meanwhile, the party is also facing disagreements over its proposed political cooperation with Ruto ahead of 2027.

The Kenya News Agency reported on November 4 that Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo had urged ODM leaders to avoid divisive politics, warning that disagreements over a proposed pre-election agreement with UDA could weaken the party.

A section of ODM leaders wants a formal written agreement outlining the terms of cooperation, while another faction supports working with Ruto without clearly defined conditions.

The disagreement has become an important issue within the party as leaders consider their political positions ahead of the next election.

Citizen TV also reported on November 3 that ODM had renewed its appeal to Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang'i to join the party as it continued receiving new members.

However, the party is not only attracting defectors from rival political formations. It is also losing some of its own elected leaders.

The Star reported on November 5 that Teso North MP Oku Kaunya and Butula MP Joseph Oyula had left ODM for David Ochieng's Movement for Democracy and Growth.

Their departure has raised further questions about the party's ability to maintain its influence in Western Kenya.

Despite these challenges, ODM leaders insist that the party remains strong and capable of competing nationally.

Daily Nation reported on November 4 that former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio had joined ODM alongside several other political leaders, demonstrating the party's continued efforts to expand its national presence.

The growing political developments present Oburu with a major leadership test as he seeks to maintain the party's unity while preparing for an election that could redefine its future.

With Sifuna's movement attracting attention, Babu pursuing a separate political path and disagreements over cooperation with Ruto continuing, ODM faces difficult decisions in the months ahead.

The biggest question is whether the party can resolve its internal differences before the 2027 General Election or whether competing political ambitions will weaken one of Kenya's most established political movements.