ODM MPs Urge Oburu Oginga to Rein in Party Leaders Amid Growing Internal Rifts

By : Mweru Mbugua

Members of Parliament allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have appealed to the party’s leader, Oburu Oginga, to step in and address emerging internal disputes they warn could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 General Election

Seven ODM legislators, led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, said divisions within the party have intensified following the death of party founder Raila Odinga, threatening ODM’s unity and public standing

The MPs pointed to an ongoing public spat between Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who have exchanged accusations over the management of campaign funds during Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid

“Given the positions of trust bestowed on them, we urge party officials such as Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to desist from public verbal exchanges and instead resolve their differences through internal party mechanisms,” said MP Omollo while addressing the media

The legislators also raised concern over an alleged incident involving Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, in which Owino claimed Alai threatened him with a firearm following accusations of online attacks against Alai’s wife

Calling for urgent intervention, the MPs asked Oburu to convene relevant party organs to resolve the conflicts and restore confidence among supporters

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“The current level of intolerance does not reflect the values of democracy, free speech and justice upon which ODM was founded by Rt Hon Raila Odinga,” the leaders said in a joint statement

They further warned that the infighting is eroding ODM’s influence in some regions, allowing rival parties to gain ground in areas traditionally considered ODM strongholds

Among those who signed the statement are Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Tom Odege (Nyatike), John Ariko (Turkana South), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach) and nominated MP Catherine Muma

The developments have exposed the scale of ODM’s internal challenges in the post-Raila era, with leadership struggles, unresolved grievances from the 2022 election and competing power centres increasingly playing out in public