Battle lines drawn as two opposing camps emerge in scramble for ODM
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga (left) with deputy party leaders, Simba Arati and Godfrey Osotsi during the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Leaders on Saturday publicly clashed at the party's first major gathering without Mr Odinga during its 20th anniversary celebrations.
- Mr Sifuna has insisted that even as ODM honours its founders at the dinner, the party must remain faithful to the soul Raila Odinga built.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is drifting into one of its most consequential internal battles yet, with senior figures splitting into pro- and anti-government camps following Raila Odinga’s death
Leaders on Saturday publicly clashed at the party's first major gathering without Mr Odinga during its 20th anniversary celebrations marked at the Mama Ngina Water Front in Mombasa ahead of the ODM Founders’ Dinner, which President William Ruto is expected to attend.
On one side stands the pro–broad-based alliance led by ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, joined by Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho, John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi; as well as national chairperson Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and deputy party leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir.
From left: ODM deputy party leaders, Simba Arati, Godfrey Osotsi, secretary general Edwin Sifuna and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi during the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
Opposing them is a vocal faction insisting on caution, independence and a return to Mr Odinga’s social democracy values, championed by Secretary-general Edwin Sifuna, deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, Siaya senator James Orengo and Winnie Odinga and youthful firebrands like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
At the heart of the pushback is Mr Sifuna, who insists that even as ODM honours its founders at the dinner, the party must remain faithful to the soul Odinga built.
“At ODM dinner where we shall be meeting party founders, we must stick to the values of the party,” he warned. “Let’s stick to Baba’s values. Let’s defend what he stood for including human rights. Let us be united and accommodative to all.”
Even so, Mr Sifuna pledged loyalty to Dr Oginga, affirming: “As Sifuna I will use all my strength to ensure we remain united… The members of ODM are the ones to give us direction.”
Odinga's daughter Winnie, speaking exactly a month after her father’s death, delivered the sharpest critique yet of the party’s current leadership and direction.
She questioned whether those managing the ODM–UDA relationship possess the capacity Odinga had.
From left: Raila Junior, Winnie Odinga and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho during the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
“The broad-based relationship is complicated,” she said. “Those managing it now, are they capable? Because it’s only one Baba Raila Odinga who would manage it.”
She demanded a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to give members the power to decide who should steer the relationship.
“That’s why we want an NDC to decide on the people they’d want to manage it.”
Her remarks resonated with party loyalists who fear that ODM is losing leverage under the broad based arrangement.
Dr Oginga, on his part, used his founder status to appeal for calm and authority.
“I stood with Raila Odinga for the 80 years he lived with us. I never betrayed Raila,” he said. “I will drive this party as Raila Odinga did it. I have no fear, I will remain steadfast.”
Dr Oginga signalled openness to renegotiation of the broad-based arrangement—but not now.
Critics of broad based government
“It’s Raila who left us in broad-based government… If it comes to 2027, we shall look at the best person to talk with or go it alone. For now, we won’t cross the bridge before we reach it.”
In a jibe directed at some critics of the broad based government and Siaya Governor James Orengo in particular, Dr Oginga quipped: "In my life I never betrayed Raila...but I know there are some of our colleagues who claim to have been with Raila but have betrayed him in the past."
Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo share a light moment with Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi during the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
Mr Orengo had on Friday rejected attempts to merge with Ruto, saying: “It is not ODM that needs Ruto; it is Ruto that needs ODM.”
Turning to his niece Winnie, Dr Oginga responded: "Winnie said that we look for somebody to mediate between us and broad based government. We shall discuss that back at home as a family."
Mr Joho confronted whispers that some in ODM want to side-line Coast leaders.
“I did not sacrifice my life for nothing… Our support cannot be taken for granted. I’ve never followed anyone else apart from Raila. If you throw us out, we will do the same. Kama mbaya, mbaya (so be it).”
Mr Arati delivered the most hard-edged threat against internal dissent.
“If you want to destroy the party, we will destroy you first. We cannot again return to the opposition… If you think you will break ODM party, we will break you instead.”
From left: ODM Women Reps Zamzam Mohamed (Mombasa), Esther Passaris (Nairobi), Amina Mnyazi (Malindi), Fatuma Mazito (Kwale) and Mishi Mboko (Likoni) dance during the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, another ODM deputy leader, was equally firm: “We are not apologetic being in the broad-based government where Baba left us. Who said that as ODM we don’t have the right to be in government?”
To those plotting against Dr Oginga, he said: “Before you reach Oburu you will pass through me… and before you reach me, you will meet the people of Kenya.”
Mr Mohamed said: "Let's respect the current leadership otherwise we risk dividing the ODM and each and every person to have a portion of it."
ODM supporters display placards during the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who is also the Council of Governors chairman, said the current trend were suspicion among ODM leaders was taking centre stage was dangerous for the party.
"I can see intrigues. There are fights here. Let's not destroy this party. Unity can only be on the basis of respect and not insults," Mr Abdullahi said.
"Let's respect Oburu just as we respected Baba. What's causing a rift here is about 2027. Baba left us in the broad based but we must persuade each other because we are all stakeholders."
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku said: "In Raila Odinga, I found a listening mentor and vessel of inspiration to all who believe in justice, equity, fairness and democracy."
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said: “We shall ensure his values are protected. Let us not betray Raila's broad-based dream.”
Firebrand MP Babu Owino delivered both poetic tribute and fiery warning.
“Raila was a bridge that every leader and youth would cross over turbulent waters… Baba was a ladder and a shield,” he said, cautioning that the party should go back to the streets if cost of living rises.
