Members of Parliament elected under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, have called for calm and unity within the party as discussions on the 2027 elections intensify.

In a statement signed by eight ODM MPs, including Dr Otiende Amollo, Millie Odhiambo, Tom Odege, Catherine Muma, John Ariko, Martin Owino, Aduma Owuor, and Senator Moses Kajwang’, they expressed concern over rising intolerance and political violence.

The MPs highlighted recent incidents, such as the alleged attack on Lamu Woman Representative Muthoni Marubu in Murang’a, and the threats reportedly made by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai against Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, warning that if unchecked, such actions could undermine free and fair elections in 2027.

The legislators also lamented internal divisions within ODM, which they described as “self-cannibalisation,” calling on party officials, including Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, to desist from public verbal attacks and return to internal discussions.

They urged party leader Dr Oburu Oginga to convene the party organs and restore confidence ahead of the elections.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, in a separate statement, emphasised that ODM remains a democratic party with space for divergent views.

He urged that debates on the party’s political direction should be conducted with mutual respect and decorum, and made it clear that the party would not engage with tribalists who advance no agenda for unity, development, or Kenya’s future.

The MPs’ and Nassir’s statements come against the backdrop of ongoing debate within ODM, where Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has recently been vocal on the party’s role in the broad-based government and the need to defend party principles ahead of 2027.

While some members have criticised Sifuna’s approach as divisive, the MPs’ call shows a growing concern among elected leaders that internal disputes must be addressed before they erode the party’s strength.