Stop fueling confusion in ODM, Oburu tells Sifuna

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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr Oburu Oginga has asked Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to stop creating confusion within the party.

In a letter released on Friday, Dr Oburu noted that Mr Sifuna had in previous weeks expressed opinions on sensitive political matters without consulting the party’s constitutional organs, some of which contradicted agreed party positions.

“Policy in ODM is determined through structured deliberations by our constitutional organs. No individual view, however senior, should be presented as official policy,” said Dr Oburu.

The call comes after Secretary-General Sifuna made a series of public statements and media appearances, including a recent interview on Citizen TV, in which he commented on coalition politics and ODM strategy.

One of the issues raised by Mr Sifuna was the funding of ODM’s nationwide “Linda Ground” forums.

He told the media: “The party did not finance all these rallies. I cannot account for money that I did not sign as a party official.”

The statement sparked questions about transparency and the source of funds for party mobilisation activities.

The Secretary-General also questioned the legitimacy of party leadership processes following the death of Raila Odinga.

“Some of the decisions on party leadership do not fully reflect the constitution and the collective will of party organs,” he said.

Dr Oburu countered this, stressing that Secretary-General Sifuna himself was elected under the same procedures he had criticised.

Finally, Mr Sifuna commented on ODM’s coalition strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, noting delays in the work of the 10-Point Agenda Committee and the National Dialogue Committee.

“ODM has not yet made any formal decision on the next presidential candidate, and I am committed to pushing for clarity,” he said.

Dr Oburu said Mr Sifuna’s remarks appeared to present his personal views as the party’s official stance, creating uncertainty among members and supporters.

The letter warned that such statements risk misinforming the public and creating divisions within the party, and urged Mr Sifuna to adhere strictly to party discipline.

He emphasised that while debate is encouraged within ODM, it must be responsible and aligned with the party constitution.

“We urge all party officials to ensure clarity in communication. The party’s positions must reflect collective decisions, not individual views,” he added.