A Gem Member of Parliament, Elisha Odhiambo, has publicly accused two top officials of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of causing internal turmoil within the party.
The MP singled out ODM’s Deputy Leader, Simba Arati, and Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, as the individuals responsible for the ongoing factionalism threatening to destabilize the party’s future.
Speaking to the media outside Parliament on Tuesday, MP Odhiambo argued that the two leaders were orchestrating disorder within ODM.
He specifically criticized Sifuna, accusing him of failing to use his position effectively to unite the party. Instead, he claimed that Sifuna was sowing discord by projecting a false image of division within ODM, which he believed was detrimental to the party’s unity.
In his remarks, Odhiambo stated that Sifuna had abandoned the core values of the party in favor of political theatrics and arrogance.
He believed that, rather than offering strategic leadership, Sifuna had become a symbol of ODM’s internal decay, prioritizing showmanship over substantive political engagement.
The MP urged Sifuna to either step down from his role as Secretary-General or rise above the ongoing power struggles and fulfill his duties in a more constructive manner.
Odhiambo also criticized Simba Arati, the Kisii Governor, for his leadership style. The MP claimed that Arati’s approach was divisive and confrontational, which was causing further strife within the party.
Instead of fostering collaboration, Arati’s leadership allegedly ignored the contributions of other party members and sought to dominate the decision-making process in a way that only fueled chaos.
According to Odhiambo, Arati’s tendency to publicly disrespect other party leaders and push his agenda through force was a recipe for disaster, potentially leading to ODM’s downfall.
The MP emphasized that this internal infighting was putting ODM’s prospects for the 2027 general elections at risk.
As the country approaches the next election cycle, Odhiambo warned that the party’s chances of uniting and making a strong electoral push could be severely hindered by the ongoing power struggles and internal sabotage orchestrated by Arati and Sifuna.
He urged the party to focus on unity and discipline, emphasizing that ODM’s survival as a political force in Kenya depended on overcoming the reckless ambitions of a few individuals within its ranks.
This internal turmoil within ODM has been simmering for months, particularly after the party’s former leader, Raila Odinga, formed an alliance with President William Ruto.
In the wake of this partnership, four ODM heavyweights were appointed to the government’s broad-based cabinet, which Odhiambo and others argue compromised the party’s position as the official opposition.
The differing opinions on the government, especially from Secretary-General Sifuna, have further deepened the rift within the party. Odhiambo’s remarks reflect growing concern that if this situation is not addressed, ODM could face serious challenges moving forward.
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