Teso North MP Oku Kaunya is received in MDG by party leader David Ochieng’ after he defected from ODM on November 3, 2026/HANDOUT

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a political setback following the defection of its elected leaders to the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), a party led by Ugenya MP David Ochieng’.

The defections, led by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya and David Ragen, the ODM Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Alego Central Ward in Siaya County, mark a significant development in the emerging political contest for influence in the Nyanza and Western Kenya regions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders announced their allegiance to MDG during a colourful political gathering held at the party’s headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where more than 500 aspirants seeking various elective positions declared their support for the party.

The aspirants, drawn from 17 counties across the country, also expressed their intention to contest for elective seats under the MDG ticket in the 2027 General Election.

Addressing the gathering, Ochieng’ declared that the party was fully prepared for the next General Election and would field candidates in all elective positions across the country, except the presidency.

He maintained that no amount of intimidation, political pressure or coercion would deter MDG from pursuing its electoral ambitions.

“Let it be very clear to everybody that MDG will field candidates across the country irrespective of underhand machinations to dissuade us from doing so. We are not going to cede any ground,” Ochieng’ said.

Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) leader David Ochieng’ poses for a photo with politicians who defected to his party on November 3, 2026/HANDOUT

The Ugenya legislator accused some political parties of seeking zoning arrangements to restrict competing parties from fielding candidates in certain regions.

He argued that such arrangements were an attempt to limit political competition, insisting that every party should be free to seek support from Kenyans regardless of geographical or political strongholds.

Ochieng’ also challenged opposition leaders to move beyond criticising President William Ruto’s development agenda and present practical alternatives to the challenges facing the country.

He cited opposition to major infrastructure and industrial development projects, including the proposed Dangote-led oil refinery at the Coast and the Mau Summit–Rironi road project, arguing that Kenyans needed constructive alternatives rather than constant political criticism.

According to the MP, the electorate was interested in policies and proposals capable of improving livelihoods, creating opportunities and addressing the country's development challenges.

On matters of leadership integrity, Ochieng’ said MDG would subject all its prospective candidates to strict integrity checks to ensure they met the constitutional and legal requirements for public office.

On his part, Kaunya attributed his decision to leave ODM to dissatisfaction with the party's internal leadership and electoral processes.

He argued that a growing number of members had lost confidence in the party leadership due to what he described as flawed internal elections and failure to uphold democratic principles.

Kaunya maintained that political parties should provide platforms for democratic participation, transparency and fair competition rather than limit members' political ambitions.