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ODM party leader Oburu Oginga (centre). Inset (from left): Party chairperson Gladys Wanga, George Aladwa, Junet Mohamed, Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino and James Orengo.
The political infighting within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has escalated, with the party set for a critical crisis meeting amid an alleged plot to oust Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as party leader.
The ongoing turf wars have forced the party’s top organ—the Central Management Committee (CMC)—to retreat to the Coast today for a meeting that could either calm the simmering tensions or intensify them ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development comes amid growing calls for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to chart the party’s way forward. Meanwhile, Dr Oburu has faced scrutiny from some members questioning his legitimacy as party leader.
Today’ s meeting also aims to push for a unified position on key issues threatening to split the party, particularly the divide between supporters of the broad-based government and those opposed to the arrangement with President William Ruto.
The tension has been fueled by the public feud between Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna over allegations that some individuals within the party are attempting to sell out ODM and debates over who was to blame for the late Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful presidential bid in 2022.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga (right) and party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
The rivalry escalated when Migori Senator Eddy Oketch attempted to have Senator Sifuna de-whipped from all Parliamentary positions and expelled from the party over gross misconduct. The motion, however, was blocked after Dr Oburu, Mrs Ida Odinga and the party trustees intervened to quell the dispute.
Chaired by the party leader, the party committee mediates internal party disputes. Its members include the three deputy party leaders, national chairperson, secretary-general, treasurer, organising secretary, director of campaigns, ODM Women and Youth leaders, three members appointed by the party leader and the executive director (ex-officio).
Key agenda items for the meeting include the ongoing broad-based partnership with President Ruto and strategies for the 2027 general elections. Discussions are also expected on when to convene the NDC.
However, the rush to hold the meeting has drawn criticism. Deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi said he requested a postponement to ensure all committee members could attend, but was ignored.
Ignored my request
“I am out of the country on official Senate business, and I tried to plead for pushing back the meeting until I am back so that everyone attends, but it looks like the party leader ignored the request,” Mr Osotsi told Nation.
The meeting comes as ODM, a 20-year-old party, navigates a political crossroads. Differences between factions supporting the broad-based government and those opposing it continue to play out in public. Calls questioning Dr Oburu’s legitimacy and pushing for an NDC reflect tensions over leadership in the post-Raila era.
This comes less than two months after the party’s National Governing Council formally endorsed Dr Oburu as party leader, elevating him from the interim position he held following his brother Raila Odinga’s death.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino recently suggested it was time for younger leaders to take the helm, a debate expected to surface during the NDC. Adding to the debate, some leaders from the Coast last week appeared to back Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho for the top position should an NDC be convened.
From left: ODM Deputy Part leaders, Simba Arati, Godfrey Osotsi, Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi during the ODM@20 anniversary at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
Former Gender CS Aisha Jumwa openly supported Mr Joho, arguing that the Coast has long supported ODM and that the CS deserves leadership in the post-Raila era. She warned that sidelining him could push the region to chart an alternative political path.
“Coast has always supported ODM, and Joho has invested a lot in the party. It is now the right time that the focus and leadership of the party goes to Joho. Joho has all it takes,” said Ms Jumwa.
In response, Dr Oburu vowed to convene the NDC to address questions over the legitimacy of his leadership.
“Those questioning my election, I challenge them to come to the NDC. I am not afraid, and I will call it very soon. I want to assure those saying only Raila could handle this (party leadership) that all the meetings (of broad-based) with President William Ruto, the chairman has been this man Oburu,” he said at a funeral service in Alego constituency in his Siaya backyard.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga (second right) and Secretary-General Edwin Watenya Sifuna address members of the press in Nairobi on October 27, 2025.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi also defended the leadership, insisting there is no vacuum and that the matter had been resolved by the party’s organs. “Anyone imagining otherwise is daydreaming,” he said, warning unnamed individuals against acting as if the party cannot function without them.
At the weekend, a group of ODM leaders in Nairobi cautioned that any attempts to stage a “coup” against Dr Oburu would fail. Led by Makadara MP George Aladwa, the group alleged that some MPs opposing the broad-based government had been meeting secretly in restaurants to plot against the party.
“NDC will come, and we will support our party leader, Dr Oburu. ODM affairs will not be settled in hotels,” Mr Aladwa said, warning that critics may be collaborating with former President Uhuru Kenyatta to undermine the party ahead of 2027.
Last Thursday, a high-profile meeting in Nairobi—including Senator Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and MP Babu Owino—raised concerns among party leaders. Similarly, in July, Mr Orengo chaired a meeting intended to guide the party’s stand on critical issues.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga, Deputy Party leaders, Simba Arati and Godfrey Osotsi during the ODM@20 anniversary at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General Sifuna has continued his vocal criticism of the broad-based government.
Another CMC meeting was held in November last year at Orange House, Lavington, Nairobi, under Dr Oburu’s leadership.
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