ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna finds himself at the centre of a growing political maelstrom, as internal party tensions, public criticism and factional disputes threaten to overshadow his leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest flashpoint erupted earlier this month when Migori Senator Eddy Oketch filed, but later withdrew a motion seeking to have Sifuna suspended, de‑whipped and potentially expelled from ODM, citing alleged gross misconduct and violations of the party constitution. The complainant accused Sifuna of publicly airing internal disagreements and positioning himself at odds with collective party decisions, allegations that sparked widespread debate within ODM ranks.
The motion was ultimately pulled back following intervention by ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, who brokered internal consultations aimed at resolving the dispute through dialogue rather than disciplinary action. Oburu’s engagement underscores rising concerns among senior party figures that public disagreements could weaken the party’s unity, particularly in the sensitive period after the death of its long‑time leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
Sifuna’s critics have also accused him of divisive conduct on multiple fronts, including sharp exchanges with fellow ODM politicians over mishandling of campaign funds dating back to the 2022 election cycle. Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Sifuna publicly traded accusations over alleged mismanagement of party finances, adding to the sense of instability within the party’s leadership.
Yet supporters of Sifuna argue that the senator’s outspokenness reflects a broader struggle to define ODM’s identity in a post‑Raila era, even as he continues to champion issues such as opposition to the broad‑based government arrangement with the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration and vocal criticism of government performance on key national matters.
How Sifuna navigates these political headwinds, balancing internal cohesion, external criticism and his own public profile, will be closely watched as Kenya’s political landscape continues to shift ahead of 2027.
By Amos Murumba
