Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has met with embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna amid growing internal tensions within the party.
In a statement, Oburu said the two met on Wednesday at the party leader's office in Nairobi to reinforce unity and dialogue among party leaders.
Despite sustained pressure on Sifuna, who has faced ouster threats over his firm stance and repeated criticism of the broad-based government in which ODM is a member, Oburu described the Nairobi Senator as a sober and principled voice whose commitment to democratic ideals the party holds in high regard.
Oburu also appeared to dismiss attempts by some members to restrain the outspoken Senator, emphasising the importance of free expression.
"I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party, this morning. He remains a sober and principled voice, embodying the democratic ideals we believe in as a party," Oburu said.
"As a leader, I believe we must encourage everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties, like ODM, grow through robust debate and unique challenges. That is where the progress and continuity of our party truly lie: in the hands of our young people," he added.
At the same time, despite mounting tensions and reports of divisions within the party over its political direction, particularly regarding its stance for the 2027 General Elections, Oburu emphasised that the ODM remains united. "We are one. We are united as the ODM Party," he said.
During the meeting, he emphasised the importance of open debate within the party, stressing that disagreements should not be seen as division and that constructive discussions during the wrangles are key to ODM’s growth and continuity.
On Tuesday, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch filed a petition seeking to remove Sifuna as Secretary-General of ODM and strip him of all parliamentary committee positions. The petition cited gross misconduct, indiscipline, and allegedly sabotaging the party.
Oketch accused Sifuna of “blatant and arrogant violation” of party rules by associating closely with rival political parties while serving as ODM’s Secretary-General and spokesperson. He also accused Sifuna of openly defying ODM’s decision to participate in the broad-based government, despite a written agreement endorsed by the party.
However, shortly after filing the petition and amid mixed reactions from Kenyans, Sifuna was granted a temporary reprieve when Oketch withdrew his petition seeking the senator’s removal from the party’s top administrative position.
Oketch, through his lawyers, communicated the withdrawal in a letter addressed to the ODM Chairperson on Tuesday, January 6, citing consultations with the party’s senior leadership and respect for the legacy of the late party leader Raila Odinga.
The lawyers explained that the decision followed discussions with ODM Party Leader Oburu and was guided by Raila Odinga’s longstanding commitment to dialogue as the preferred method for resolving internal disputes.
“Following wide consultations with the Party Leader, Senator Dr Oburu Oginga and with utmost respect to the spirit of the founding Party Leader, the late Raila Amollo Odinga, who embraced dialogue even with his fiercest enemies as the most preferred method of dispute resolution, we have received further instructions from our client as hereunder,” the letter stated.
