'Kenyans are suffering': Omanyo warns ODM could rethink UDA deal over high fuel prices

Speaking in Malaba South Ward, Busia County, Omanyo criticised fuel pricing, questioning why neighbouring landlocked countries enjoy lower fuel costs despite relying on transit through Kenya.

“We cannot be serving landlocked countries and in their nations, the fuel prices are lower. It doesn't make sense. We keep saying the fuel prices should go lower,” she stated.

“I will not look at Kenyans suffering while I sing broad-based government. It should be good, better for the people. We must remember the people that we promised to protect and fight for them."

Her remarks come at a time when tensions appear to be rising within the broad-based government arrangement between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

ODM leader Oburu Oginga on Friday echoed similar concerns, calling on President William Ruto to rein in members of his party over what he termed as disrespectful conduct towards ODM.

“I’m in good relationship with the President, but he should discipline and talk to some of these high officials of his party,” Oburu said while speaking in Kisumu County after meeting a section of clergy.

At the same time, he dismissed reports that ODM had suspended talks with UDA, clarifying that formal negotiations between the two parties had not yet begun.

“We cannot stop what has not started. Our negotiations with UDA have not started. We have not even formed the negotiating teams to put breaks on them,” he noted.

Oburu also cautioned UDA against encroaching on ODM strongholds, particularly as discussions around political zoning continue within the party ranks.

“We don’t want to compete with people whom we are going into partnership with called UDA. They are the only ones we don’t want to interfere,” he added.

The latest developments follow a meeting of ODM’s Central Committee on Thursday, where the party raised concern over what it described as “unwarranted public utterances” by some UDA officials, which it said were causing anxiety among its members.

In a statement read by Omanyo after the meeting, the party demanded respect from the UDA party, warning that continued friction could strain relations within the arrangement.