Speaking during an interview on Herman Manyora’s podcast aired on May 1, 2026, Tuju described a coalition grappling with fragile unity.
According to Tuju, the arrangement exposes the challenge of balancing cooperation with control. He suggested that President Ruto is walking a tightrope—attempting to benefit from ODM’s backing without triggering deeper divisions within the party or alienating its core supporters.
Using a metaphor, Tuju emphasized the need for opposition forces to unite, referring to the Linda Mwananchi faction—associated with leaders like Edwin Sifuna—and the broader opposition movement.
He warned that failure to consolidate these groups ahead of the 2027 General Election could weaken their chances and inadvertently strengthen Ruto’s position.
Within ODM itself, tensions remain evident. Some party members have raised concerns about what they perceive as attempts to dilute the party’s identity through its cooperation with the government.
Critics argue that certain factions are being favored, fueling suspicion and internal rivalry.
At the same time, the Linda Mwananchi wing continues to assert its independence, organizing rallies and pushing back against full alignment with the government.
The faction has consistently called for respect for ODM’s autonomy, highlighting the delicate balance between cooperation and political identity.
Tuju noted that ODM figures who joined the government likely aimed to stabilize it and broaden its appeal.
While they may have contributed to legislative strength, he suggested that winning over the wider public remains a challenge, particularly among supporters wary of political compromises.
Political analyst Munene Macharia echoed similar sentiments, observing that ODM’s engagement with the government has exposed deeper cracks within the party.
He pointed to emerging rebel factions and unresolved power-sharing disputes as signs of strain that could shape future political alignments.