Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has strongly criticised the party’s Secretary General, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, over claims questioning the legitimacy of the current party leadership.
In a sharply worded letter issued on Friday, Oburu accused Sifuna of sowing confusion within the party by failing to distinguish between personal opinions and official ODM policy. He warned that such conduct undermines party unity, insisting that “no one is bigger than the party.”
The Siaya Senator took issue with remarks attributed to Sifuna suggesting that Oburu was not validly elected as party leader.
Oburu dismissed the claims, stating that all current ODM officials are serving legitimately and their positions are backed by resolutions of official party organs.
“ODM has, since its inception, demonstrated fidelity to its Constitution and the rule of law. The same principles placed every individual in their rightful position, including Senator Sifuna,” Oburu stated.
“All party officials are serving substantially and are supported by party organ resolutions.”
Oburu further pointed out what he termed as contradictions in Sifuna’s position, recalling that the Secretary General himself previously served in the role without endorsement from the National Delegates Convention (NDC).
He noted that Sifuna did not raise any objections at the time.
“When Sifuna questioned the legality of some national officials on the grounds that they were elected by the National Governing Council, he overlooked a fundamental fact: he himself was elected Secretary General by the same organ in February 2018 and served until February 2022, when the NDC subsequently endorsed him,” Oburu said.
Despite the strong rebuke, Oburu did not indicate whether disciplinary action would be taken against Sifuna, even as internal divisions within ODM continue to deepen.
The party appears split between members advocating for an independent political path and those supporting a possible partnership with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Sifuna, however, has maintained that he will not resign from his position. He has raised concerns over alleged government funding of ODM, arguing that such support would be contrary to the law.
Speaking recently on Citizen TV, Sifuna insisted that only a delegates’ conference could remove him from office, calling for such a meeting to provide direction amid growing internal wrangles.
Meanwhile, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Oburu’s sister, has come to Sifuna’s defence. She questioned the proposed pre-election agreement between ODM and UDA, arguing that Sifuna should not be labelled a rebel for expressing dissenting views.
“If he is a ‘rebel,’ then how many times was Raila Odinga one?” Ruth posed. “Even during the ‘nusu mkate’ government, Raila still stood his ground.”
The unfolding dispute highlights widening cracks within ODM as the party grapples with its political future ahead of the next general election.
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