NAIROBI, Kenya – Tensions are mounting within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as Treasury Cabinet Secretary and former party chairman John Mbadi publicly criticized Secretary General Edwin Sifuna over what he termed as divisive and misleading remarks.
In an interview with Ramogi TV, Mbadi insisted that Raila Odinga, as ODM Party Leader, holds the final say in all party decisions — not Sifuna.
“Between the Party Leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” Mbadi posed, urging Sifuna to respect the established party hierarchy.
His remarks come amid growing confusion within ODM over its role in government and its opposition posture, with critics pointing to mixed signals and ideological drift.
ODM in Government with Raila’s Blessing, Says Mbadi
Mbadi also revealed that ODM politicians serving in the Kenya Kwanza administration, including himself, did so with Raila Odinga’s full approval after consultations with President William Ruto.
“I’m glad he clarified those are his personal opinions,” said Mbadi, distancing the party from recent comments made by Sifuna and affirming the legitimacy of ODM’s ongoing cooperation with the ruling coalition.
He added that the current collaboration will persist until the 2027 elections, after which Odinga will decide ODM’s future direction.
Sifuna Admits ODM Losing Its Voice, Apologizes to Supporters
Meanwhile, Sifuna has acknowledged internal turmoil within ODM, citing confusion, ideological drift, and contradictory messaging as the main reasons the party is struggling to define its political identity.
“There is a lot of confusion. There was a time when it was easy to be SG of ODM. I could answer any question because we never compromised on values,” the Nairobi Senator said during an interview on Citizen TV’s The Explainer on Tuesday night.
He admitted to struggling to articulate ODM’s position on key issues such as devolution, constitutional freedoms, and civil liberties under Article 37 of the Constitution.
Sifuna blamed this on disjointed communication within the party and the presence of ODM members in senior government roles.
“You see an ODM leader who once held a senior party post now serving in Cabinet, and it leaves our supporters very confused,” he observed.
Leadership Crisis Sparks Calls for ODM Reset
In a rare move, Sifuna offered a public apology to ODM supporters.
“I want to apologise for the confusion we as a leadership have caused. It is difficult to discern ODM’s stance on national matters—and that should not be the case,” he said.
The ongoing fallout has highlighted deeper divisions within the party over its relationship with the Ruto administration and the future of opposition politics in Kenya.
With 2027 elections on the horizon, ODM now faces mounting pressure to clarify its ideology, rebuild internal unity, and reconnect with its disillusioned base.
