Migori: Cracks in ODM as 4 Camps Emerge in Uriri over Grassroots Elections

• A row over recent ODM grassroots elections in the Uriri constituency in Migori county threatens to divide the party
• Four camps have emerged, each claiming the position of influential ODM constituency chairperson
• Two of the camps have been linked to Migori governor Ochillo Ayacko and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, who are likely to face off in 2027

Migori: A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members in Uriri constituency have threatened to leave the party.

The members, allied to four individuals who have declared themselves ODM chairpersons in the constituency, claim there IS an attempt by outsiders to undermine the party.

The camps emerged following ODM grassroots elections, which were recently held in the constituency.

ODM camps in Uriri

While the ODM party has not yet declared the winner of the elections, particularly for the influential chairperson position, each camp claims to have fairly won the seat.

“The elections were free and fair, and we won’t accept this attempt to sideline our chairman. If they can’t accept our own who won fairly, then we are out of here. We will do things our way,” said Nicholas Oluoch, a supporter of Evans Ogutu.

Ogutu is one of the four individuals laying claim to the chairperson position in Uriri.

His supporters claim there is a plot to overturn his win because he was previously not a member of the Orange party.

“Just because our party chair wasn’t previously a member doesn’t mean he can’t serve the party’s interests. We love ODM and our interest is to serve the party diligently,” noted Sharon Nekesa.

Ogutu's supporters insist he fairly won the grassroots elections, while those allied to Aloo Muga, another individual also eyeing the seat, claim he (Ogutu) was handpicked.

They also claim he is not a duly registered member of the ODM party.

“We can’t have a chairperson who is not even a party member. He is being placed here to confuse supporters. We won’t let that happen,” said Aloice Okuku, a supporter of Aloo.

“We know this is a plot towards the 2027 General Election and we won’t let our darling party be led by wolves dressed in a sheep's clothing,” added another ODM party member.

Ayacko-Nyamita rivalry in Migori

The cracks have been linked to the rivalry between Migori governor Ochilo Ayacko and Uriri Member of Parliament, Mark Nyamita.

Nyamita is said to be eyeing the governor's seat.

Individuals claiming to have won the chairperson seat have since been linked to the two politicians.

Ogutu is claimed to be aligned with Nyamita, while Muga is an ally of Ayacko.

ODM party held its grassroots elections in the Uriri constituency in April 2025.

There has been confusion among members about who won the chairperson position, with party members now calling on Migori county ODM chairman Walter Owino to put his house in order.

“We want party county leadership to come out and speak on this issue at this initial stage before it’s too late. Let them not assume everything is fine while the situation deteriorates,” warned Daniel Odhiambo, a diehard ODM supporter.

Ochilo Ayacko and Mark Nyamita’s supporters clash

Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that supporters of Ayacko and Nyamita clashed during a football match in Migori.

Trouble started after a group of people, alleged to have been allied to one of the two politicians, stormed the stadium.

The incident left several cars damaged, with the two leaders blaming each other for the chaos.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke