In the political landscape of the Gem constituency in Siaya County, Kenya, the undercurrents of party loyalty and betrayal are making waves as the 2027 parliamentary elections approach. Sam Opot, a notable figure and aspiring candidate, finds himself at the center of a political storm after declaring his intention to run for the parliamentary seat on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
Opot’s announcement, made at a funeral in Central Gem ward, surprised many attendees, given his known affiliations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a rival political party led by President William Ruto. His sudden shift to ODM, a party led by Raila Odinga, has raised eyebrows and sparked accusations of him being a mole planted to disrupt the party from within. This suspicion is compounded by Opot’s history of publicly supporting ODM while allegedly promoting UDA policies and Ruto’s agenda in private circles.
This isn’t the first instance of political defection within ODM ranks, as the region has seen other leaders, including the incumbent Elisha Odhiambo and Gideon Ochanda of Bondo, switch allegiances post the controversial finance bill vote in 2024 and after the 2022 elections. Such moves have historically weakened ODM’s stronghold in Raila Odinga’s backyard, with leaders like Caroli Omondi and comedian Phelix Odiwuor also shifting their allegiance to UDA.
Adding to the controversy are allegations surrounding Opot’s professional credibility. Local youth groups and political leaders in Gem are questioning the legitimacy of his engineering credentials, leading to demands for a thorough investigation by regulatory bodies. Accusations of fraudulent activities, such as securing employment through deceit and other pretenses, further tarnish his public image, casting doubt on his integrity and suitability as a candidate.
The situation is further complicated by the crowded field of contenders for the Gem parliamentary seat. Notable figures such as Christine Ombaka, the Siaya woman representative, and Adrian Odhiambo, the Siaya county water minister, are also in the race, adding to the competitive political environment. This intense competition highlights the strategic importance of the Gem constituency and the high stakes involved in securing a nomination from ODM.
In response to these developments, there are calls within ODM for stricter vetting processes for party candidates to prevent opportunistic individuals from exploiting the party’s platform for personal gain. This push for more rigorous scrutiny reflects a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of the party’s candidate selection process ahead of crucial elections.
As the political drama unfolds, the residents of Gem and observers of Kenyan politics are keenly watching to see how these tensions will resolve and what impact they will have on the political landscape in Nyanza and the wider national context. The outcome of this saga could very well influence voter sentiment and party loyalty, shaping the future of political alignments in the region.
