NAIROBI, Kenya — The installation of Oburu Oginga as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) interim party leader has ignited fresh debate within the party, with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna questioning the legality of the process and calling for strict adherence to party constitutional procedures.
Speaking amid growing speculation over his future in the party, Sifuna said the decision to appoint Oburu following the death of longtime ODM leader Raila Odinga, whom he referred to as “Baba,” was not conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Sifuna insisted that while leadership transitions are inevitable, the process must remain transparent and procedural to maintain party unity and legitimacy.
“The installation of Oburu Oginga as interim party leader was not procedural in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” Sifuna said.
“What I would have advised had I been in that meeting is allow one of the deputies to act, even for one month, and within three months call a special National Delegates Convention (NDC) and do it properly.”
Edwin Sifuna: The money you see being spent in ODM rallies are not coming from ODM headquarters; there is parallel funding for activities clothed in ODM colours. I am a signatory to the bank accounts and the last money we expended officially was for the celebrations in Mombasa
Absence Raises Questions
Sifuna clarified that he was not present during the meeting that endorsed Oburu’s interim leadership, revealing that he was engaged in arrangements involving the late party leader.
“I was not in that meeting because I was going to fetch my party leader to bring Baba back home,” he said, suggesting that the decision was made without his involvement or input.
He added that his absence should not be interpreted as endorsement of the process, maintaining that internal party democracy must be respected, particularly during sensitive leadership transitions.
Oburu’s Role Under Scrutiny
Oburu Oginga, a politician and elder brother to the late Raila Odinga, stepped into the interim role at a time ODM is grappling with internal uncertainty and external political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
While Oburu is widely respected within the party for his long-standing loyalty and political experience, Sifuna’s remarks highlight simmering tensions over succession planning and governance within ODM.
Political analysts say the controversy reflects deeper concerns about power dynamics in the party and the struggle to balance legacy leadership with constitutional order.
Despite the controversy, Sifuna downplayed speculation about his own political future, stating that party positions are not permanent entitlements.
“There is nowhere it is written that Sifuna can be the only Secretary General,” he said.
“I have predecessors who have done this job, and I know young people in ODM who, if given the opportunity, can even do it better than me.”
Mourning and Shock
Sifuna also recounted the shock surrounding Raila Odinga’s death, describing it as a deeply personal and political loss.
“In the morning, I woke up to a message saying Amollo has left us. It was quite shocking because I had spoken with Mzee the previous day,” he said.
He explained that on the day the official announcement was made, he was at State House and had been scheduled for party activities in Kajiado before the news broke.
“ODM should seek partners who can help us win elections,” he said, adding that joining forces with rival political formations could push the party back into opposition.
