The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is staring at a deepening internal crisis after Senator Edwin Sifuna rejected his reported removal as Secretary General, insisting that he remains the legitimate and duly elected office holder.
In a firm and carefully worded response, Sifuna dismissed the move to oust him, declaring that he will continue executing his mandate and will attend the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting despite the controversy surrounding his position.
“I remain a loyal member and the duly elected Secretary General of ODM. As I navigate this period, I ask for your prayers and goodwill, but importantly, I urge all of you to remain vigilant in guarding the freedoms Raila taught us never to compromise on,” Sifuna stated.
His remarks signal a hardening of positions within the party, with rival factions now openly contesting control of ODM’s leadership structures in what appears to be a broader battle over the party’s direction in the post-Raila Odinga era.
Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi also cast doubt on the legitimacy of the processes that led to the disputed decision, revealing why he and others skipped the controversial KNEC meeting in Mombasa.
“I am surprised that Honorable Oburu told us he needed to consult further, yet the consultation was not with other key stakeholders in the party. Instead, they proceeded that night to State House to consult William Ruto, and that is why two of us did not attend the KNEC meeting in Mombasa,” Osotsi claimed.
In explosive remarks, Osotsi alleged the existence of what he termed “an axis of evil” within the party — accusing certain individuals of working behind the scenes to undermine ODM from within.
“There is a pair in this party, an axis of evil, who are working day and night to assist William Ruto in wrecking this party. We will not allow it. Starting this weekend, we will be engaging our supporters so our people remain firm. We are not about to give up, and we will continue to protect the legacy of Raila Amolo Odinga,” he said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino mounted a strong defense of Sifuna, arguing that any attempt to remove him is legally flawed.
“There’s no way that illegal office holders can remove a legal office holder from office. The only mistake Sifuna or us did was to fight for the less privileged, for jobs for our youths, and against the high cost of living that is affecting Kenyans,” Babu Owino said.
The unfolding standoff underscores a widening split within ODM, with accusations of illegality, external influence, and betrayal of founding principles now dominating internal discourse.
With Sifuna vowing to remain in office and attend NEC meetings despite his purported dismissal, the battle for control of ODM is far from over — and could significantly shape the party’s political posture as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 elections.
