The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is grappling with intensifying internal divisions as former party chairman and current Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi publicly criticized Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, urging him to respect the party’s leadership hierarchy.
In an interview with Ramogi TV, Mbadi chastised Sifuna for his recent public remarks, which he termed divisive and unrepresentative of ODM’s official position. “Between the Party Leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” Mbadi posed, reaffirming that ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga remains the ultimate authority within the party.
Mbadi revealed that ODM leaders who joined President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration did so with Odinga’s full approval following extensive consultations. “I’m glad he [Sifuna] clarified those are his personal opinions,” he added, distancing the party from the SG’s comments.
The Treasury CS also confirmed that ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government will continue until the 2027 general election, at which point Odinga will chart the party’s political direction.
Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi Senator, sparked controversy earlier this week during an appearance on Citizen TV’s The Explainer, where he admitted that ODM is facing internal contradictions and lacks ideological clarity.
“There is a lot of confusion,” Sifuna said. “I told my party leader there was a time when it was easy to be SG of ODM… You could wake me at night and I would articulate our position clearly. Now, I struggle to explain where we stand on issues like constitutional rights, devolution, and public freedoms.”
Sifuna blamed the presence of ODM-affiliated Cabinet Secretaries in government for creating disillusionment among party supporters. “When you see a senior ODM member now serving in Ruto’s Cabinet, it sends mixed signals,” he said.
In a rare public apology, Sifuna expressed regret for the leadership’s failure to maintain unity and consistency. “I want to apologise to ODM members for the confusion we have caused. It is disheartening that even our most loyal supporters cannot discern our position on major national issues,” he stated.
The unfolding rift underscores the growing ideological and strategic uncertainty within ODM as the party grapples with its role in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
Written By Rodney Mbua
