SIAYA, Kenya- In a dramatic escalation of internal tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has publicly challenged dissenters aligned with the Edwin Sifuna-led faction, asserting that those unhappy with the party’s direction are free to leave.
Addressing hundreds of supporters at the Linda Ground rally in Siaya on Saturday, Oburu made it clear that ODM is not expelling any members but warned that anyone “uncomfortable” with the party’s current path should step aside.
“We are not expelling anybody from the party, but anybody who feels uncomfortable with us is free to leave,” Oburu Oginga said.
The party leader underscored that ODM has spent years in opposition and is now focused on structured negotiations over governance, policies, development programmes and power-sharing ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He reiterated that ODM aims to be part of the next government rather than remain in opposition.
He is set to form a team that will enter into power-sharing talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
As he said this, kilometres away in Western Kenya, a bigger rally was being led by the Sifuna faction, and denounced any attempts to work with President William Ruto’s UDA.
Sifuna said Ruto had betrayed the 10-point agenda, which included an end to extra-judicial killings, which have not stopped.
The Rift Over Party Direction
At the heart of the discord is a deepening rift over ODM’s stance on national politics — particularly whether the party should maintain an independent opposition identity or embrace cooperation with the ruling coalition led by President William Ruto.
Oburu is categorical that ODM shall work with Ruto ahead of his re-election bid in 2027.
Earlier this month, ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) voted to remove Sifuna as Secretary General from his position as party Secretary General — a move justified by leaders on grounds of indiscipline and violation of party protocol.
Catherine Omanyo was appointed acting SG in his place.
Oburu and his allies argue that ODM must negotiate strategically with UDA and remain part of the broad-based government arrangement. They say such cooperation offers a better chance to influence policy and secure a role in governance after 2027.
Sifuna-Led Faction’s Response
However, the faction aligned with Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo has rejected the Oburu camp’s leadership claims.
In a high-tension rally in Amalemba stadium in Kakamega on the same Saturday, Babu Owino defied calls from Oburu to abandon the party’s independent course, urging that ODM be “left to us”.
Owino described Oburu as a tired Joshua, who cannot take the people to the promised land.
That gathering — part of the Linda Mwananchi tour — was briefly disrupted when teargas canisters were thrown into the crowd, though speakers continued undeterred.
The Sifuna-Owino-Orengo group insists ODM should not dilute its identity and risk becoming a junior partner in government, especially without a clear presidential agenda.
Their position reflects growing frustration among party activists and leaders who feel sidelined by Oburu’s leadership.
Also in the faction is ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi.
Broader Implications for ODM
Political analysts say the feud underscores deep structural and strategic divisions within ODM following the death of its long-time leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
While some leaders back negotiations and a power-sharing approach, others argue for retaining opposition status and seeking a direct political mandate in 2027.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has publicly defended the Oburu camp, urging constituents to reject Sifuna’s faction, which she claims is pushing the party back into opposition.
Critics counter that the disciplinary actions against Sifuna were rushed and risk alienating significant blocs within the party.
Wanga is among those eyeing to replace Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President, if Ruto is re-elected in 2027.
What Comes Next
With less than two years to the 2027 elections, the internal struggle within ODM is set to intensify.
Both sides are gearing up for further rallies and strategic negotiations, with the Oburu camp seeking to solidify power-sharing arrangements, and the Sifuna group mobilising its base to push for a different path.
Sifuna, like other opposition leaders, is pushing for the removal of Ruto as President in 2027.
