ODM, the falling empire? Oburu fights back as Ruth Odinga sides with Sifuna
The death of Raila led to the emergence of two factions...
✨ Key Highlights
Following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kenya's ODM party is engulfed in a leadership crisis, with two factions emerging and questioning the legitimacy of the new leadership, source of millions for mobilization drives, and a proposed 2027 deal with President William Ruto.
- Dr. Oburu Odinga, Raila's elder brother and party leader, leads one faction holding "Linda Ground" rallies.
- Secretary General Edwin Sifuna leads a parallel "Linda Mwananchi" faction and publicly challenged Dr. Odinga's installation and the funding of rival rallies.
- Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has sided with Sifuna, questioning the source of funds for the "Linda Ground" rallies, which include "choppers, big tents and ODM-branded T-shirts and caps," and expressing doubt about President Ruto honoring future pre-election pacts.
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ODM Faces Leadership Crisis and Disputes with UDA and Azimio - February 2026
Following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is engulfed in a leadership crisis with two factions emerging. A public leadership dispute has erupted between Party Leader Oburu Oginga and Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. Simultaneously, a potential pre-election alliance with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is faltering, with claims that a 10-point Memorandum of Understanding has not been honored. This has caused panic within ODM as an anticipated zoning agreement with President William Ruto's UDA party for the 2027 General Election falls apart. Additionally, the ODM has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of making irregular changes to the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leadership without holding a properly constituted council meeting.
