Tension is rising inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after senior leaders publicly disagreed over the party’s direction and decision-making.
The disagreement started after ODM leader Oburu Odinga criticised Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, saying Sifuna was speaking his personal views and presenting them as official party positions.
Oburu accused him of causing confusion and division within the party.
But the situation became more complicated when ODM Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi disagreed with Oburu’s approach.
Osotsi said major party decisions, especially about the 2027 General Election, should not be made by a few leaders without proper consultation with party organs.
Osotsi warned that ODM could lose its strength if it decides not to field a presidential or deputy presidential candidate in 2027.
He also warned that forming a coalition with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) could damage the party’s identity and support base.
According to Osotsi, ODM must remain independent and avoid outside control. He argued that skipping the presidential race or backing another party’s candidate would make ODM weak and irrelevant.
He urged party leaders supporting such plans to rethink their position.
He also stressed the need to give young leaders more opportunities. He pointed to Winnie Odinga’s active role in political campaigns and said young figures like her can help energize and grow the party.
In his earlier statement, Oburu defended his leadership and said current party officials are in office legally under ODM rules.
He pushed back against Sifuna’s claims that his leadership position is not valid. Oburu noted that Sifuna himself once served as Secretary General after being chosen by the party’s National Governing Council, without raising complaints at the time. He said this makes Sifuna’s current objections inconsistent.
So far, Oburu has not announced whether any disciplinary action will be taken against Sifuna.
Sifuna, on his side, has refused to step down. He said only a delegates’ conference has the power to remove him from office.
He also claimed there are concerns about possible government influence over ODM’s funding and decisions.
Ruth Odinga has also weighed in and defended Sifuna in recent remarks. She said his warnings about working with UDA reflect genuine concerns inside the party and should not be treated as rebellion. She compared the situation to past political strategies used by Raila Odinga.
The public disagreements now show clear divisions inside ODM as the party starts preparing for the 2027 elections. If they don’t resolve these fights early, the internal conflict could cost them political strength going forward.
