 |
| ODM MPs ask party leader Oburu to call Junet and Sifuna to order.Photo/Coutersy |
Members of Parliament allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have appealed to party leader Oburu Oginga to step in and address emerging internal disputes, warning that deepening divisions could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Seven ODM legislators, led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, said cracks within the party have widened following the death of party founder Raila Odinga, threatening ODM’s unity and political standing. They cautioned that unless addressed urgently, the disagreements could significantly undermine the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.
The MPs pointed to the ongoing public fallout between Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who have exchanged accusations over the management of campaign funds during Odinga’s unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid.
Speaking on behalf of the group, MP Omollo urged senior party officials to avoid public confrontations and instead resolve their differences internally. “Given the positions of trust bestowed on them, we urge party officials such as Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to desist from public verbal slurs and return to the table for internal discussions,” he said.
The leaders also raised concern over an alleged incident involving Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai. According to the MPs, Alai allegedly threatened Owino, who has claimed that the MCA accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against his wife.
The ODM lawmakers called on Oburu Oginga to convene relevant party organs to help resolve the disputes, warning that continued infighting is eroding public confidence in the party. They said the current atmosphere of intolerance contradicts the principles upon which ODM was founded.
“The current intolerance does not augur well for a revolutionary movement that Rt Hon Raila Odinga founded on the ideals of democracy, free speech and justice,” the statement read.
The MPs further noted that internal wrangles are costing ODM political ground in some regions, with rival parties taking over positions traditionally held by ODM leaders.
Those who endorsed the call include Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Tom Odege (Nyatike), John Ariko (Turkana South), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Catherine Muma (nominated), and others.
The latest disputes have exposed the extent of ODM’s internal challenges in the post-Raila era. Once unified under the authority of its founder, the party is now contending with leadership struggles, unresolved grievances stemming from the 2022 election, and emerging power centres increasingly willing to air their differences publicly.
