Speaking during a church service on Saturday, November 29, Amollo said that while ODM holds several positions in government, loud chest-thumping will only expose the party’s desperation and reduce its political value.
The Rarieda legislator explained that successful political bargaining relies on strategy, patience, and discipline.
He compared ODM’s behaviour to that of the Kikuyu community, which he said commands more senior positions in the Kenya Kwanza administration yet remains relatively silent about it.
“Kikuyus have more positions in this government than we do. They have eight cabinet secretaries while we only have two. They have 12 principal secretaries while we have four,” Amollo said.
“But despite holding more positions, you don’t hear them bragging. Why should we be the ones making noise?”
According to him, bragging sends the wrong message—that ODM is too eager to be in government. This, he noted, weakens the party’s ability to negotiate for better deals in the future.
Amollo told ODM members that political value grows when others need your support, not when you appear to be begging for inclusion.
He stressed that the party must stay focused on its principles and avoid behaviour that paints ODM as desperate.
“For us to go into government in a strong position, we must wait until we are invited. That is what makes us valuable,” he added.
The MP also encouraged party members to remain disciplined and united as the country heads toward the 2027 general election.
According to him, if ODM maintains unity, the government will naturally come seeking the party’s support, giving ODM stronger leverage during negotiations.
Amollo also addressed concerns about his recent low public profile. He said he deliberately chose to remain quiet following the sudden death of ODM’s long-time leader, Raila Odinga—a period he described as one of the most painful in the party’s history.
“Some of you have wondered why I haven’t spoken lately. I chose silence because we are going through a difficult time. We have just lost our leader, and none of us expected it,” he said.
He criticised politicians who have been claiming they held private conversations with Raila Odinga before his death, calling such claims dishonest and divisive.
Amollo emphasised that Raila’s public statements should remain the guiding force of the party.
He said any attempt to introduce claims of secret conversations is irresponsible and intended to mislead members.
“The only thing we can believe is what Raila said in public. And Raila told us we would be in this government until 2027. Beyond that, it is up to those of us who are alive to decide our direction,” he stated.
With Raila’s passing and Oburu Odinga stepping into the party’s top position, ODM is currently navigating a sensitive transition as it seeks to maintain its influence on the national stage.
Amollo urged members to avoid actions that could divide the party or weaken its standing in the broad-based government.
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