The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is once again embroiled in internal strife as Nairobi branch chairperson George Aladwa takes on party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of destabilizing the party from within.
The sharp divisions have been fueled by ODM’s political positioning with the Kenya Kwanza government, with Aladwa warning Sifuna that he risks being ousted from his position.
Addressing the press in Nairobi on Sunday, Aladwa, who is also the Makadara MP, claimed that Sifuna’s continued criticism of the broad-based government undermines Raila Odinga’s authority.
He warned that ODM members would not hesitate to push him out if he persists in opposing the party’s evolving stance.
The fallout stems from President William Ruto’s decision to appoint some ODM allies to his Cabinet. While some party members, like Aladwa, see this as a pragmatic move, others, including Sifuna, have remained vocal critics of the administration. Sifuna has insisted that ODM remains in opposition and has ruled out any political cooperation with Kenya Kwanza ahead of the 2027 elections.
Aladwa likened Sifuna’s stance to past leadership struggles within the party, recalling the removal of former Secretary-General Ababu Namwamba in 2016. He also accused Sifuna of disrespecting party veterans, stating that ODM’s strength lies in collective leadership rather than individual grandstanding.
“Sifuna is at liberty to leave ODM and join Rigathi Gachagua if he so wishes. We will meet in 2027 for a political showdown,” Aladwa declared, further alleging that Sifuna’s actions serve external political interests.
As ODM navigates these turbulent waters, the question remains whether the party can maintain unity or if these internal power struggles will weaken its standing ahead of the 2027 elections.
