MAGARINI, Kenya — The leadership wrangle within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) escalated on Friday after Acting Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo accused Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna of speaking from both sides of his mouth over the party’s association with President William Ruto.
Addressing supporters at a rally in Magarini on February 13, Omanyo dismissed Sifuna’s recent criticism of the Head of State.
Sifuna has alleged interference by Ruto in ODM’s internal affairs following his removal as Secretary-General.
Omanyo claimed the senator had played a central role in engagements that led to the formation of what has been described as a broad-based government.
“Sifuna used to accompany the late Raila Odinga to State House, where discussions were held about the formation of a broad-based government, yet yesterday he claimed that he did not recognise the arrangement,” she said.
Her remarks suggest internal disagreement over ODM’s posture toward the Kenya Kwanza administration and the nature of any cooperation framework.
Omanyo also questioned Sifuna’s opposition to the elevation of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga within party ranks.
“Sifuna swore in Oburu Odinga in broad daylight, then went to the media to state that he does not recognise him. What is that?” she posed.
The Acting Secretary-General, who also serves as Busia Woman Representative, brushed off criticism about her suitability for the role. She responded directly to former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, who had mocked her over her pronunciation of the word “constitutionalism.”
“ODM is my home, and I will not sell the party. I will not be intimidated. I have been told that I am not well educated and that I am a political nobody, but I forgive them,” she said.
ODM leaders present at the rally publicly backed Omanyo, signalling that party structures in parts of the country remain aligned with the current leadership.
Sifuna, however, has framed hisremoval as politically driven. In recent statements, he claimed his ouster was a directive from President Ruto and linked it to his refusal to support the government.
He has obtained temporary court orders blocking his removal, setting up a legal confrontation that could test party governance procedures under the Political Parties Act.
Adding another layer to the dispute, ODM Deputy Party Leader Geoffrey Osotsi alleged that Oburu received a call from State House before a key National Delegates Committee meeting, a claim that fuels accusations of external influence.
No official response from the State House had been issued at the time of publication.
The unfolding dispute underscores deeper tensions within ODM over strategy, succession, and relations with the ruling administration.
As court proceedings continue and party organs weigh their next steps, the standoff is likely to shape the opposition party’s direction in the months ahead.
