ODM deputy leader breaks ranks with Oburu as wrangles deepen
ODM deputy leader breaks ranks with Oburu as wrangles deepen
Internal tensions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have escalated after party leader Oburu Odinga publicly criticised Secretary General Edwin Sifuna for positions he maintained were not official party policy.
The dispute deepened on Saturday when ODM Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi openly disagreed with Oburu, arguing that major decisions, such as fielding candidates in the 2027 elections, should involve proper party consultation.
Osotsi warned that failing to field a presidential or deputy presidential candidate or entering a coalition with the ruling UDA could severely weaken ODM ahead of the elections. He also stressed that the party must remain independent and not be influenced by external forces.
He further called for the importance of empowering young leaders, praising Winnie Odinga’s active role in campaigns and her potential to strengthen the party.
“The party leader of Boinga, whom I respect, is my colleague. I think he needs to consult more, because I don’t recall any party organ deciding that we will not field a presidential candidate or that we are supporting someone else. We have never said we are not contesting for deputy president or going for nothing,” Osotsi said.
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Adding that, “The surest way to finish ODM in 2027 is, first, to enter a coalition with UDA. Second, to not field a presidential candidate or running mate. ODM will be an obsolete party if that happens. I want to ask leaders who are quick to support such moves to reconsider.”
The tensions followed Oburu Odinga’s strong rebuke of Sifuna on Friday, accusing him of confusing personal opinions with official party policy and creating divisions within the party.
In his open letter, Oburu stated that all current party officials, including Sifuna, are serving legitimately under ODM’s resolutions, reflecting the party’s commitment to its constitution and the rule of law.
Responding to Sifuna’s sustained claims that he was not validly elected as party leader, Oburu noted the irony that Sifuna himself previously served as SG without objection after being elected by the National Governing Council, pointing out the inconsistency in his recent criticisms.
Oburu did not, however, indicate whether disciplinary action against Sifuna would follow, as the party remains split between those supporting Sifuna’s push for independence and those advocating a coalition with UDA.
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