KISUMU, Kenya– Kisumu West Member of Parliament Rosa Buyu has issued a stern warning to United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders, accusing them of treating the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a junior partner in the broad-based arrangement and insisting that ODM must be respected.
Speaking on Saturday at a funeral in Kolwa Central, Kisumu East constituency, Buyu demanded that ODM’s role in stabilising the country be acknowledged, warning that dismissive rhetoric from UDA ranks could erode trust and weaken the government’s effectiveness.
“As an equal partner, we demand respect,” Buyu declared. “We have seen some UDA members speak as though they do not recognise the sacrifices made by ODM. This country stands today because of those efforts.”
The MP singled out the party’s then-leader, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, arguing that his decisive action during the Gen Z protests had saved the Kenya Kwanza administration from collapse.
“When the Gen Zs came out to protest, it was Raila Odinga who weathered the storm putting his life on the line to ensure this administration didn’t sink,” Buyu recalled.
“How can leaders now speak as if that contribution does not matter? There must be mutual respect for the sake of national stability.”
Buyu also waded into the heated debate over zoning, firmly defending the strategy in ODM strongholds, such as Busia County.
“Zoning is not about imposing on individuals,” she explained. “It is about protecting the party’s strength and ensuring our structures remain intact where our support base is strongest.”
She threw down the gauntlet to aspirants eyeing seats in ODM-dominated regions: “Those who want to contest are welcome to join ODM and go through a free and fair nomination exercise. What we will not accept are attempts to undermine the party from outside.”
“Zoning is not about individuals. It is about protecting the party and ensuring our voice remains strong within the government.”
