By Peter John
A sharp political divide has emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement following the death of party leader Raila Odinga, with rival factions now openly clashing over the party’s direction and leadership.
The latest flashpoint involves Edwin Sifuna and Oburu Odinga, after Sifuna dismissed any possibility of serving under Oburu in a top party role.
“Look for your secretary general, I cannot be an SG of mediocrity,” Sifuna declared, in remarks that have intensified the already growing tensions within ODM.
The fallout comes against the backdrop of two parallel political gatherings held in Nairobi, highlighting the widening split. Oburu Odinga attended a National Delegates Conference (NDC) meeting at Jamuhuri grounds, alongside a section of ODM leaders aligned with President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
On the other hand, Sifuna was part of a rival camp that convened at Ufungano House under the “Linda Mwananchi” banner. The group included prominent figures such as Babu Owino and Geoffrey Osotsi, signaling a faction resistant to the current political alignment.
Observers say the two meetings paint a clear picture of a party at a crossroads, with one side leaning toward cooperation with the government, while the other insists on maintaining a firm opposition stance.
The internal wrangles now raise serious questions about ODM’s unity and future, especially in the absence of Raila Odinga, whose leadership had long held the party together.
As both factions dig in, the battle for control and ideological direction within ODM appears set to intensify, potentially reshaping Kenya’s political landscape in the months ahead.
