ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has told dissenters within the party that they are in the minority and, despite having a say, the majority will always have their way.

Speaking on Wednesday, February 11, Oburu explained that ODM worked under democratic principles, which always favour the majority.

He called out some party leaders who publicly contradicted the party despite being members of the National Executive Council (NEC).

The Siaya Senator maintained that while it is okay to have contrary opinions, the NEC makes the final decision, which becomes the position of the party.

“If you have anything that you disagree with, NEC is a forum to raise those issues and let the members decide. Once the members have decided and you fall into the minority, the minority will have their right to say, and the majority will have their way,” he stated.

Oburu warned leaders hiding behind ‘personal opinions’ while making statements contradictory to the Council to stop undermining the party.

“Democracy does not mean chaos. ODM is like a club, and when you join one, you have to obey the rules of the club,” he reiterated.

The Party Leader maintained that ODM was keen on re-establishing itself as a strong political outfit ahead of the 2027 election.

He made it clear that while ODM has an existing pact with UDA under the Broad-based government, it was not automatic that the agreement would result in an election coalition.

“We are not in a hurry to say ‘Wantam’ or ‘Tutam’. We are strengthening our party to prep ourselves for negotiations.

“First, we will start with our current partners, and if we do not agree, we move on to discuss with other formations that are there, and if there are no agreements, we will go forward alone as ODM,” Oburu disclosed.

Oburu called out the alleged interference of the ODM party politics by Azimio following the announcement of changes in the coalition party leadership.

He declared that Azimio was dead and that the Orange Party had already left the outfit and was working on making its exit formal.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Tuesday morning proceeded without two of the party’s top officials — Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi.

According to a member of the NEC, Sifuna sent his apologies for not attending the meeting but did not provide further details. Osotsi, who also missed the session, cited parliamentary duties as the reason for his absence.

“I did not travel to Mombasa as I am currently in Nairobi attending to my Senate responsibilities,” said Osotsi, who serves as the Senator for Vihiga County.

Party insiders suggested that Sifuna’s absence may be linked to growing tensions within ODM, amid reports that some supporters had been mobilised around the meeting.

The gathering comes at a time when internal discussions have reportedly intensified over possible leadership changes, including speculation about the potential appointment of Busia Governor Paul Otuoma to a senior party role.

Sources within the party indicated that some members have called for the NEC to deliberate on Sifuna’s position, while others have warned that such a move could damage ODM’s public image and unity.

ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire downplayed the reported divisions, describing them as part of the party’s democratic culture. “We have always agreed to disagree honourably. This is part of our internal democracy,” Bosire said ahead of the meeting.

During the closed-door session, officials were reportedly presented with various scenarios and the potential implications of any decision to alter the party’s leadership structure. Members were reminded of the need to adhere strictly to the ODM constitution in handling internal disputes.

The NEC meeting, which brought together senior party officials and regional representatives, was expected to address key organisational matters and chart ODM’s political strategy ahead of upcoming national engagements.

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has been removed from the ODM Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Speaking on Wednesday, February 11, Amisi confirmed that he has received a letter from NEC notifying him of his removal from the committee.

“What people are not aware of is that they have already kicked me out. I have a letter here sent from the NEC,” said Amisi.

The Saboti MP said he has been kicked out of the ODM NEC for illegally holding two party positions.

“The reason they say they are removing me is that I hold two positions. They claim that I am a county chair and at the same time I am the deputy organizing secretary,” he said.

The ODM lawmaker went on to claim that his removal from the ODM NEC was not procedural.

Amisi said the committee should have met and reached a unanimous decision to remove him as a member, adding that he should have been given a right of reply.

“For you to remove a NEC member, there are procedures; you don’t just write a letter and send it on WhatsApp.

“The NEC must meet and unanimously agree that you are supposed to leave. You must be given a right of reply; there must be a hearing,” Amisi added.

Further, he said he was asked by the late Raila Odinga to take up the position of ODM Deputy Organizing Secretary.

Amisi argued that if holding more than one party position was unlawful, then it is the ODM party itself that committed the wrongdoing

“If they thought that holding two positions is illegal, then they are the ones who committed an illegality, not Caleb Amisi, because they are the ones who gave me that position,” the Saboti MP remarked.

Meanwhile, the ODM Party is holding a NEC meeting on Wednesday to deliberate on the wrangles within the party.

In an itinerary shared on Tuesday, February 10, the party said the NEC meeting will be followed by a session with delegates from the Coast region.

The ODM party is experiencing a deepening internal rift between two competing factions: Linda Ground and Linda Wananchi.

At the heart of the unfolding dispute are questions of leadership direction, party funding, and ODM’s positioning in the national political landscape following the death of Raila.

The split became most visible when Sifuna publicly criticised aspects of party operations, including the selection of Oburu Oginga as Party Leader.

Oburu hit back at Sifuna, terming his criticisms as confusing personal opinion with official party policy.