Silence on Sifuna’s role exposes deep rift in ODM

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s name was notably absent from announcements by party officials after the Orange Democratic Movement confirmed its new leadership at the National Governing Council meeting at Fort Jesus Grounds in Mombasa.

The omission has drawn attention and speculation about internal divisions following the death of its long-time party leader Raila Odinga in October.

Senator Dr Oburu Oginga (Siaya County) was confirmed as Party Leader, deputised by Governors Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa County), Paul Simba Arati (Kisii County), and Senator Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga County).

Governor Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay County) was confirmed as National Chairperson, while MPs Otiende Amollo (Rarieda Constituency, Siaya County), and John Ariko (Turkana South Constituency, Turkana County) were named Deputy Chairpersons.

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir County) was appointed National Organising Secretary, Ms Ruth Odinga (Kisumu County Woman Representative) as Deputy Organising Secretary, and Ms Rozaah Buyu (Kisumu West Constituency) as Secretary for Political Affairs.

While Mr Sifuna was not explicitly mentioned in posts by party officials, he remains the ODM Secretary-General and has not been replaced.

The avoidance of his name in public communications appears deliberate, reflecting tensions among rival factions rather than an official sidelining.

Moments after the meeting, Mr Sifuna wrote on X:

“We are The ODM Party! We are in Mombasa. We have a history. We know our values. We know our principles. We know what Baba stood for. We are here to reaffirm those values and principles. Hatubanduki!”

ODM is currently split on its path toward the 2027 elections. One faction, mainly senior governors and MPs close to the presidency, argues that remaining in the broad-based government arrangement ensures influence and development for their counties.

The other camp, composed of younger legislators and grassroots organisers, insists the party should assert its independence to safeguard its identity and rebuild its political base.

Mr Sifuna has publicly aligned with the latter camp, emphasizing that ODM must “defend its brand and independence” in honour of Raila Odinga’s legacy.

The public omission of his name in Mombasa reflects the delicate balancing act within the party rather than a formal demotion or replacement.

As ODM marks 20 years since its founding, the party faces a defining moment--whether to continue as a partner in government or reclaim its identity as a reformist opposition force in a post-Raila era.