The opposition has intensified the onslaught against the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), moving to court disgruntled party officials and elected leaders in the wake of Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s removal.
What began as an internal party row has snowballed into a realignment battle, with opposition outfits positioning themselves as alternative homes for the castaways or those perceived to be on a collision course with the ODM leadership.
At the centre of the storm is Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, whose removal from the secretary-general position ignited debate about democracy in the party founded by Raila Odinga, who died in October last year.
Mr Eugene Wamalwa’s Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has welcomed Mr Sifuna and other ODM “renegades”.
During the elevation of Kiminini trading centre to township status yesterday, Mr Wamalwa said his party would reach out to leaders who feel sidelined by ODM.
“We will approach our brothers who have been kicked out of ODM to join our party,” he said, specifically mentioning Mr Sifuna and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.
Mr Wamalwa took issue with “shrinking democratic space” in ODM, saying the party is straying from the traditions established by Odinga.
“Raila accommodated and tolerated dissenting voices and allowed democracy to prevail in ODM. It is wrong for Dr (ODM leader Oburu) Oginga to chase Mr Sifuna away because of his call for the rejection of President William Ruto’s re-election,” Mr Wamalwa said.
He added that some in ODM are abandoning the culture of debate and tolerance, dismissing claims that Mr Sifuna is working with rival parties to destabilise ODM.
Eugene Wamalwa invites Sifuna to join DAP-K
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) chief, Rigathi Gachagua, also invited Mr Sifuna to consider joining his outfit.
“Sifuna, you are a great leader. If driven away from ODM by William Ruto, you are welcome to DCP,” the former deputy president said yesterday.
“Sifuna is a great Senator and I have no problem with DCP supporting his re-election,” he said.
“Ruto has even said (Embakasi East MP) Babu Owino should leave. To Babu Owino, if you’re sent away, know that DCP is your home,” he said.
“If Sifuna and Babu feel uncomfortable with DCP, they can join Wiper Party, our partner in the opposition.”
Mr Owino has found himself at the centre of speculation after attending a top Wiper organ meeting hosted by party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The MP, however, dismissed reports that he is planning to defect from ODM.
From Left: ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay Governor and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga during the Linda Ground political rally at Mkunguni Square in Lamu Old Town on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Photo credit: Kalume Kazungu | Nation Media Group
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who doubles as DAP-K deputy leader, used the Kiminini event to criticise “politicisation” of development.
“It is wrong for the government to distribute resources based on political loyalty,” he said, adding that Trans Nzoia is being sidelined by the government due to its political leaning.
Former Kitale deputy mayor Pius Mzee Arap has been picked to replace Mr Amisi as Trans Nzoia ODM branch chairman. Branch Woman Representative, Mirriam Kubai, has been replaced by Ms Jemima Chepkemoi.
Observers say the coming weeks will tell if the ODM figures will fight from within or walk into new political homes waiting with open arms.
