ODM Rift Deepens as Sifuna Challenges Oburu’s Leadership

Fresh cracks have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna openly questioned the legitimacy of Oburu Odinga as the party’s leader, exposing a widening divide following recent internal changes.

The dispute played out through parallel political gatherings in Nairobi, where rival factions of the party convened separate meetings, each claiming legitimacy. At the centre of the standoff is the process through which Oburu assumed leadership after the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga. Speaking at a meeting organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction at Ufungamano House, Sifuna cast doubt on the process that elevated Oburu, arguing that party members were not involved through a transparent voting exercise. He maintained that ODM had previously committed to conducting elections from the grassroots to the national level, and questioned how a leader could emerge without that process being followed.

His remarks reflected a broader concern among a section of party members who believe the transition departed from the party’s internal democratic principles. Sifuna suggested that decisions appeared to have been made without sufficient consultation, raising questions about accountability within the party structure. The Nairobi senator went further, distancing himself from the new leadership arrangement and rejecting any suggestion that he could serve under Oburu in his current role. His stance underscored not just procedural concerns, but also a deeper political disagreement over the direction ODM is taking in the post-Raila era.

At the same time, another group of party leaders and delegates gathered at Jamhuri Grounds for a Special National Delegates Convention, where Oburu’s leadership was formally endorsed. The meeting ratified him as party leader and granted him authority to steer the party, including engaging in future political negotiations.

The existence of these parallel events highlighted the scale of division within ODM, with each side insisting it represented the legitimate voice of the party. While one faction defended the decisions made at the delegates’ convention, the other dismissed the process as irregular and lacking proper mandate.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who aligned himself with Sifuna’s camp, echoed similar concerns, stating that while Oburu commands respect as a senior figure, that respect does not automatically translate into political legitimacy.

The dispute comes at a sensitive moment for ODM as it navigates a transition following the loss of its long-time leader. For years, Raila Odinga had been the party’s central figure, shaping both its identity and political strategy. His absence has left a vacuum that is now being contested in both formal and informal spaces.

Political analysts note that such transitions are often fraught, particularly in parties built around strong personalities. In ODM’s case, the challenge lies in balancing respect for senior figures within the party with the need to maintain internal democratic processes that give members a sense of ownership. Beyond internal dynamics, the fallout could have wider implications for the party’s future alliances and electoral strategy. ODM remains a key player in Kenya’s political landscape, and any prolonged internal wrangling risks weakening its cohesion ahead of upcoming political contests.

For now, both camps appear entrenched in their positions. While the Oburu-led faction moves to consolidate authority following the delegates’ endorsement, Sifuna and his allies continue to question the foundation of that authority, setting the stage for a potentially prolonged internal battle over the party’s leadership and direction.