ODM to hold crisis talks today as infighting intensify

By Newsflash Team

Political infighting within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has intensified, with the party now set to hold a crucial crisis meeting today, Monday, January 12, amid claims of a plot to remove Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as party leader.

The deepening turf wars have compelled the party’s top decision-making organ, the Central Management Committee (CMC), to retreat to the Coast for a meeting expected to either cool the simmering tensions or further inflame divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The developments come against the backdrop of growing calls for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to chart the party’s future direction. At the same time, Dr Oburu has come under scrutiny from a section of party members questioning the legitimacy of his leadership.

Broad-based government divide

Today’s meeting is also expected to push for a common position on contentious issues threatening to fracture the party, particularly the sharp divide between ODM members backing the broad-based government arrangement and those opposed to cooperation with President William Ruto.

Tensions have been exacerbated by a public spat between Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, centring on accusations that some individuals within the party are attempting to sell out ODM. The row has also revived debates over who should shoulder responsibility for the late Raila Odinga’s failed presidential bid in 2022.

The rivalry escalated further when Migori Senator Eddy Oketch sought to have Senator Sifuna de-whipped from all parliamentary positions and expelled from the party over allegations of gross misconduct. The move was, however, thwarted after Dr Oburu, Mrs Ida Odinga and the party’s trustees stepped in to contain the fallout.

Chaired by the party leader, the CMC is mandated to mediate internal disputes. Its membership includes the three deputy party leaders, the national chairperson, secretary-general, treasurer, organising secretary, director of campaigns, ODM Women and Youth leaders, three appointees of the party leader and the executive director, who serves in an ex-officio capacity.

Key items on the agenda include ODM’s continued participation in the broad-based government with President Ruto and preparations for the 2027 elections. The timing of the NDC is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.

Leadership wrangles and dissent

However, the hurried convening of the meeting has drawn criticism from within the party. Deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi said he requested that the meeting be postponed to allow all committee members to attend, but his plea was ignored.

“I am out of the country on official Senate business and I tried to plead for pushing back of the meeting until I am back so that everyone attends, but it looks like the party leader ignored the request,” Mr Osotsi said.

The meeting comes at a delicate moment for the 20-year-old party, which is navigating a political crossroads. Public disagreements between factions aligned to the broad-based government and those opposed to it continue to play out openly. Calls questioning Dr Oburu’s legitimacy and demands for an NDC reflect broader tensions over leadership in the post-Raila era.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna at a past press address with deputy party leader and Mining CS Ali Hassan Joho and minority leader, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Treasury CS John Mbadi Photo/ X/ODM

This is unfolding less than two months after ODM’s National Governing Council formally endorsed Dr Oburu as party leader, elevating him from the interim role he assumed following the death of his brother, Raila Odinga.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has recently suggested that it may be time for younger leaders to take charge of the party, a debate widely expected to surface should an NDC be convened. Adding to the intrigue, some leaders from the Coast last week appeared to rally behind Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho as a possible contender for the top party position.

Joho angling for leadership

Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa openly backed Mr Joho, arguing that the Coast region has consistently supported ODM and that the Cabinet Secretary has invested heavily in the party. She warned that sidelining him could push the region to pursue an alternative political path.

“Coast has always supported ODM, and Joho has invested a lot in the party. It is now the right time that the focus and leadership of the party goes to Joho. Joho has all it takes,” Ms Jumwa said.

In response, Dr Oburu pledged to convene the NDC to address questions surrounding his leadership.

“Those questioning my election, I challenge them to come for the NDC. I am not afraid, and I will call it very soon. I want to assure those saying only Raila could handle this (party leadership) that all the meetings of the broad-based government with President William Ruto have been handled by this man Oburu,” he said at a funeral service in Alego constituency, his Siaya backyard.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also came to Dr Oburu’s defence, insisting there was no leadership vacuum and that the issue had already been settled by the party’s organs. “Anyone imagining otherwise is daydreaming,” he said, warning unnamed individuals against acting as though the party could not function without them.

At the weekend, a group of ODM leaders in Nairobi warned that any attempt to stage a “coup” against Dr Oburu would not succeed. Led by Makadara MP George Aladwa, the group alleged that some MPs opposed to the broad-based government had been holding secret meetings in restaurants to plot against the party.

“NDC will come, and we will support our party leader Dr Oburu. ODM affairs will not be settled in hotels,” Mr Aladwa said, claiming that critics could be working with former President Uhuru Kenyatta to undermine the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

Last Thursday, a high-level meeting in Nairobi attended by Senator Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and MP Babu Owino raised fresh concerns among party leaders. Similarly, in July, Mr Orengo chaired another meeting aimed at shaping the party’s position on critical issues.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General Sifuna has maintained his outspoken criticism of the broad-based government. Another CMC meeting was held in November last year at Orange House in Lavington, Nairobi, under the leadership of Dr Oburu.