A simmering generational turf war is threatening to unravel within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with the party’s ‘young Turks’ plotting an offensive against the old guards.
The unfolding crisis comes as the old guards challenged the “rebels” to quit if they are dissatisfied, instead of causing confusion and sending mixed signals to party members.
But the youthful ODM rebels have hit back, opening a fresh front against the old guard targeting party leader Oburu Oginga and his lieutenants.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino argued that ODM needs a “younger general” to succeed the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga and lead the party forward, saying Dr Oburu is too old for the job.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino speaks during the World Teachers Day Celebrations at Kenya Science Campus in Nairobi on October 5, 2025.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
“It is time for the youthful members to take over and shepherd the party within its ideals as the people’s defender,” he said.
Using Biblical analogies, Mr Owino said ODM does not need a “Joshua” who is an age mate or older than Moses, but a younger one who will uphold the late Odinga’s vision.
“What kind of a general do we need after Baba? Do we need the strongest, weakest or a parachuted general? The answer is simple. Our Moses is gone, and we need a Joshua who is younger than Moses, with vim, vigour, courage and temerity to lead the people Baba left to Canaan,” during an interview with Citizen TV last week.
He also criticised party leadership for being old and in their comfort zone, while urging them to handover leadership to the younger generation.
“The current ODM does not reflect what Baba stood for. Baba never sought coalitions; they came to him. This approach of seeking them is a different ODM,” Owino said.
Since Raila Odinga’s death, the party has been embroiled in factional disputes, particularly over whether to support President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election.
“I was Baba’s right-hand man and errand boy. He left us to go to Canaan but now we are being diverted to Singapore. Those claiming to have received dreams from Baba misrepresent his intentions,” Mr Owino said.
He is part of a group of young legislators opposed to the broad-based government and any pact supporting President Ruto . The group includes Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and her niece Winnie Odinga, among others.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna speaks during celebrations marking what would have been the 81st birthday of former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga at his home in Karen, Nairobi, on January 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Mr Sifuna has been critical of the broad-based government and plans for ODM to back Dr Ruto’s re-election.
Senator Osotsi said ODM will withhold support for Ruto unless the 10-point agenda is implemented by March 2026.
Ms Ruth Odinga argued that ODM must field a presidential candidate in 2027, emphasizing that political parties exist to compete for power.
“I believe ODM must field candidates everywhere. That is the point of a political party,” she said last December.
For his part, Senator Oburu Oginga maintained that ODM would proceed with the pre-election pact with President Ruto, following the Central Management Committee’s resolution in Vipingo.
“If you want my seat, come and take it at the National Delegates Convention. Those questioning my election, I challenge you to the NDC. I am ready,” said a defiant Dr Oburu.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga addresses the public rally at Kamukunji grounds in Kibera, Nairobi County on January 14, 2026.
Photo credit: DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION
He also defended his role in the broad-based government negotiations with Ruto: “All the meetings of the broad-based government with President William Ruto were led by me,” he said.
Deputy party leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir reiterated that ODM will not be divided by individuals pursuing personal interests.
ODM National Chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga said the party allows divergent opinions, but once a binding decision is made, it must be followed.
“ODM is a democratic party. Opinions are allowed, but once the party decides, it must be respected,” she said.
However, Mr Owino dismissed the threats, saying his personal brand transcends party affiliations.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga addresses the public during a rally at Kamukunji grounds in Kibera, Nairobi County on January 14, 2026.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi called for tolerance of differing opinions, emphasizing that political debate should not be stifled.
Mr Amisi likened the party’s approach to trying to gather passengers on a train that had already left the station, suggesting some members may eventually exit.
Former Cherangany MP Kipruto Arap Kirwa warned that the ODM infighting could lead to a split, with the younger generation potentially joining other political formations.
Political commentator Barrack Muluka said ODM is in flux because Dr Oburu lacks the charisma, moral authority, and leadership acumen of his late brother, Raila Odinga.
“Oburu cannot rally the ODM constituency like Raila did. There isn’t a single individual in the party who can marshal support nationally as Raila did,” he said.
Lawyer and political analyst Steve Ogolla cautioned that most ODM rebels cannot survive outside the party or Raila’s legacy.
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga (centre), flanked by members of the party's Central Management Committee, addresses the media after a meeting at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County January 12, 2026.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
“Sifuna has a right to a parallel opinion, but it is a peripheral anomaly. ODM can survive without Sifuna, but Sifuna outside ODM is a different story,” he said.
He added that Raila’s leadership had integrated ODM into the broad-based government, implying that had he lived, cooperation with Ruto would have continued through 2027.
“If the broad-based government survives into 2027, it makes sense to negotiate a pre-election package uniting ODM and UDA. Those claiming Baba left no direction are being dishonest,” he said.
