Things fall apart in ODM as splinter factions fight for control of the party
Oburu’s camp accuses the Sifuna faction of doing Uhuru’s grunt work...
✨ Key Highlights
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, founded by Raila Odinga, faces a severe internal power struggle threatening its existence. Long-serving Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna was dismissed by the National Executive Council (NEC) but his removal was temporarily overturned by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT).
- The core disagreement revolves around cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government and the selection of a presidential candidate for the next elections.
- A faction led by party leader Oburu Oginga supports President William Ruto’s re-election, while Sifuna's camp vehemently opposes any alliance with Ruto’s UDA party.
- Sifuna's faction, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga, vows an "all-out war" for control, signalling a potentially messy and acrimonious power struggle leading up to the March 26 NDC.
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ODM Removes Secretary General Edwin Sifuna Amid Internal Turmoil and Accusations Against President Ruto - February 2026
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is facing a severe internal power struggle following the ouster of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna by the National Executive Council (NEC). Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga defended the removal, asserting that due procedure was followed. However, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) temporarily overturned the dismissal. The decision has caused chaos and finger-pointing within the party, with protests erupting in Mombasa and the potential for a mass exodus of members. ODM leaders held a press conference in Nairobi accusing President William Ruto of attempting to destabilize the party and orchestrate Sifuna's ouster. Amid the turmoil, party leader Oburu Oginga was notably absent from crucial rallies in Lamu and Tana River. Other ODM leaders, including Junet Mohamed and Abdulswamad Nassir, have criticized external interference.
