Oburu Odinga Criticises Sifuna Over Citizen TV Remarks as ODM Tensions Grow
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has openly criticised the party’s Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, following remarks he made during a recent interview on Citizen TV.
The disagreement has exposed deepening divisions within the party, with senior leaders now publicly expressing opposing views on the party’s leadership structure and political direction.
In a strongly worded response issued on Friday, Oburu accused Sifuna of making statements that contradict established party positions and creating unnecessary confusion among members and supporters.
He stressed that no individual should place themselves above the party, insisting that ODM’s leadership structures and decisions must be respected at all times.
According to Oburu, the Secretary General has in recent months struggled to clearly separate his personal views from official party policy, a situation he said risks misleading party supporters and weakening internal unity.
The Siaya Senator dismissed claims made by Sifuna suggesting that some party officials, including Oburu himself, were not properly elected into office.
He maintained that all current ODM officials are serving legally and legitimately, having been endorsed through resolutions made by the party’s recognised organs.
Oburu emphasised that since its formation, ODM has consistently followed its constitution and upheld the rule of law, adding that these principles are what have guided the placement of all leaders within the party structure, including Sifuna himself.
Oburu further pointed out what he described as inconsistency in Sifuna’s argument, recalling that the Secretary General previously served in the same position after being elected by the National Governing Council in February 2018.
He noted that Sifuna executed his duties fully during that period without questioning the legality of the process, only receiving formal endorsement later by the National Delegates Convention in 2022.
According to Oburu, it was therefore contradictory for Sifuna to now challenge the legitimacy of other officials elected through a similar process.
Despite the sharp exchange of words, Oburu did not indicate whether any disciplinary action would be taken against the Secretary General.
However, the public disagreement reflects growing internal tensions within ODM, particularly as the party debates its political strategy ahead of future elections.
The ongoing wrangles appear to have split opinion within the party, with one faction supporting Sifuna’s position that ODM should maintain an independent political path, while another group supports closer cooperation or a working relationship with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Sifuna, on his part, has remained firm in his position and has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of stepping down as Secretary General.
He argues that his concerns are aimed at protecting the party’s integrity and transparency, especially regarding allegations that ODM may be receiving government funding in ways that could conflict with existing laws.
During his Citizen TV interview, Sifuna insisted that his membership in ODM remains strong and that the only legitimate way for him to leave office would be through a properly convened delegates’ conference.
He has called for such a meeting to allow party members to openly discuss the direction of the party and resolve the current disagreements.
The debate has also drawn reactions from other senior ODM figures. Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Oburu’s sister, recently came out in support of Sifuna, expressing concern over a proposed pre-election agreement between ODM and the ruling party.
She argued that Sifuna should not be labelled a rebel for raising questions about the party’s decisions, noting that political dissent has historically been part of ODM’s identity.
Ruth Odinga compared Sifuna’s stance to that of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying that strong internal debate has always been a feature of his political approach.
She questioned why it should be considered wrong for Sifuna to publicly declare the existing Memorandum of Understanding obsolete if its terms had not been honoured and its expiry date was approaching.
According to her, raising such concerns should instead be viewed as an attempt to safeguard the party’s interests rather than an act of disloyalty.
As the disagreement continues, observers say the unfolding situation highlights broader questions about ODM’s future political alliances, internal democracy, and unity ahead of upcoming political contests.
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