ODM Party Faces Internal Turmoil as Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna Comes Under Fire.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is grappling with deepening internal turmoil as Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna faces mounting criticism from senior party members, threatening to destabilize the once formidable political powerhouse.
Since the passing of party leader Raila Amollo Odinga, ODM has been struggling to redefine its leadership and direction. Now, insiders say tensions are escalating around Sifuna’s stewardship, with accusations of poor coordination, exclusion of key members, and an apparent failure to unify the party in the post-Raila era.
Several members of the National Executive Council (NEC) have privately expressed dissatisfaction with Sifuna’s leadership style, alleging that decision-making has become increasingly centralized and opaque. They claim that Sifuna is surrounded by a small circle of loyalists who dominate party operations and communication.
“ODM is not what it used to be,” said one NEC member who requested anonymity. “There’s a growing feeling that the Secretary-General is running the party like a personal entity, disregarding consultation and consensus.”
The discontent has been echoed publicly by some party leaders. Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, widely seen as one of ODM’s senior figures, urged for introspection within the party. “We are at a crossroads. ODM must return to its democratic roots and embrace dialogue rather than blame games. The focus should be on rebuilding our structures, not internal wars,” Wandayi told Afripulse Media.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also weighed in, noting that while Sifuna has shown commitment, there is a need for inclusivity as the party transitions beyond Raila’s legacy. “We are in a delicate phase. This is not the time for divisions or power wrangles. We must pull together if we are to keep ODM alive and relevant,” she said.
However, Sifuna has hit back at his critics, dismissing the claims as political propaganda designed to weaken him ahead of the party’s expected national convention next year. “ODM is going through a transition, and naturally, there will be noise. But I want to assure our members that the party remains strong and united. Those spreading rumours of collapse are either frustrated or being used by our political opponents,” Sifuna said in a recent press briefing.
Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi Senator, has defended his leadership record, citing efforts to reorganize the party’s secretariat and strengthen youth participation. “We are building a modern, issue-based ODM that reflects the next generation of leaders,” he added.
Junet Mohamed, the former Suna East MP and a close ally of the late Raila Odinga, urged calm within the party ranks. “ODM is bigger than individuals. We must guard Raila’s legacy by maintaining unity and focusing on the people’s issues rather than internal squabbles,” he said.
Political analysts say the rift could determine the future of the opposition landscape in Kenya. “Without Raila Odinga, ODM is struggling with succession identity. How it handles this internal contest will define its survival,” said political analyst Dr. Peter Wekesa.
As the countdown begins to the much-anticipated ODM National Delegates Convention, all eyes are now on Sifuna — whether he will weather the storm or become the first casualty in the party’s ongoing transition.
