The internal conflicts within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) appear far from over following the contentious removal of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has now entered the debate, expressing sharp criticism over how the ouster was handled.
Ruth Odinga strongly challenged the process that led to Sifuna’s removal, arguing that it went against the democratic principles ODM claims to uphold.
She emphasized that a party like ODM, which prides itself on championing democracy, should never appear to suppress freedom of expression among its members.
According to Ruth, the procedure followed to remove Sifuna was deeply flawed. She pointed out that the party did not adhere to established laws governing political parties, nor did it respect internal dispute resolution mechanisms. She described the entire process as a sham, insisting that proper procedure was completely ignored.
Ruth noted that she was present during the motion to remove the outspoken Secretary General and made it clear that she opposed the decision. She observed that the majority seemed determined to push the resolution through regardless of objections, claiming they wanted what they considered an “amicable solution.”
In her interview with KTN on Wednesday, she said, “Edwin Sifuna has been speaking his mind, and he has the right to do so. If there were any concerns about discipline, he should have been given a chance to respond. Even in cases like Shakahola, the accused individuals were given the opportunity to speak.”
She added, “I personally support Edwin Sifuna in many of his actions. But what the party feels is a separate matter. I was among those who opposed his removal.”
Meanwhile, Sifuna himself has vowed to legally challenge the decision made by the National Executive Committee (NEC) that led to his ouster.
He has taken his case to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, which has temporarily suspended the removal pending a full hearing scheduled for March. These interim orders have provided Sifuna temporary relief, moving the dispute from internal party discussions to a legal battleground.
Beyond the leadership conflict, Ruth dismissed suggestions that ODM should refrain from fielding its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election to favor President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). She warned that such a decision would undermine ODM’s core principles and weaken its democratic credibility.
Ruth stressed that it is too early for ODM to pursue a pre-election coalition with UDA while key matters remain unresolved, including the 10-point Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties and the findings of the NADCO report.
She questioned, “It is far too early for ODM to rush into a pact. We need to put our own house in order first. Why would we enter a pre-election agreement when we have not even fulfilled some of the MoUs we established, like the 10-point agenda?”
Ruth further described ODM as a strong and capable political party that can chart its own course. She insisted that the party should not rule out fielding its own presidential candidate in 2027, emphasizing that ODM has the strength to stand independently.
Meanwhile, rival factions within ODM continue to pursue separate agendas, highlighting the deepening divisions.
Sifuna and his supporters are pushing forward with the “Linda Mwananchi” tours, while another faction aligned with Oburu Odinga is carrying out independent grassroots mobilization efforts.
These parallel activities reflect the growing tension and fractured nature of the party as it navigates internal disagreements and prepares for the next election cycle.
Ruth Odinga’s statements underline that the party faces a critical moment of self-reflection and decision-making.
Her warnings suggest that unless ODM addresses internal disputes transparently and respects democratic norms, the party risks eroding its credibility and weakening its influence ahead of 2027.
Join Tutam Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
