Olekina rejected media claims that the Orange Democratic Movement is splitting. He said the party is coping with internal pressure but is not collapsing.
He told Sifuna and Owino that Nairobi’s politics do not alone decide ODM’s direction.
The senator’s remarks came after party tension surfaced over the pre‑election talks between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Some senior members have expressed unease with pushing the arrangement forward.
Olekina said the dynamics in Nairobi, where Sifuna and Owino draw much of their political support, shape their views.
He noted Nairobi’s electorate is largely cosmopolitan and liberal, and that this influences how the two leaders assess alliances.
The senator pointed to the influence of ethnic politics in the city, where Kamba and Kikuyu communities are significant.
He suggested that leaders from Nairobi might resist a national coalition if they feel it undercuts their local base.
Sifuna has been vocal about protecting ODM’s role as a strong opposition voice and has criticised the broad‑based government approach tied to the UDA partnership.
Others in the party echo concerns that coalition deals risk weakening ODM’s identity.
Babu Owino’s opposition to some coalition arrangements previously showed when he skipped key ODM‑UDA meetings, saying he was not consulted on decisions that affect his political path.
Critics argue the talks with UDA have drifted from core party goals and diluted the original 10‑Point Agenda that was supposed to drive cooperation.
This has fed mistrust among some ODM members who want more internal consultation before major commitments.
Olekina said he understands where Sifuna and Owino are coming from but urged unity and strategic planning that balances Nairobi’s realities with broader national goals.
