ODM has been thrust into fresh internal tension after veteran politician Dr. Oburu Oginga was affirmed as Party Leader at a Special Delegates Conference (SDC), even as Nairobi Senator and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna declared he cannot serve under his leadership.
Oburu, a long-serving MP, Senator, and party trustee, took over the Orange Democratic Movement leadership on Saturday, pledging to safeguard the party’s legacy and steer it into a new era of institutional rebuilding and coalition politics.
“I stand before you today with a deep sense of humility and a sacred duty to protect the legacy of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM),” Oburu said after his affirmation, describing his mandate as one of stabilising and strengthening the party.
He outlined plans to reinforce ODM’s grassroots structures, rebuild its internal systems, and reposition the party ahead of future elections through what he termed structured political engagement and coalition-building.
“My mission is clear: to ensure our ‘Orange’ remains the preeminent symbol of justice and reform for all Kenyans,” he said.
Oburu also signalled openness to broader political cooperation, saying delegates had authorised him to engage “like-minded parties and formations” in pursuit of pre-election alliances. Political allies have in recent months described him as favouring a more cooperative approach with President William Ruto’s administration, a shift that has already stirred debate within opposition circles.
However, the leadership transition quickly exposed sharp divisions within ODM’s top ranks.
Sifuna, who has served as Secretary General since 2018, rejected the idea of continuing in office under the new leadership structure, insisting that party processes must be strictly followed before any changes in top positions are recognised.
Speaking in remarks reported by local media outlets, Sifuna said he could not serve as ODM Secretary General under Oburu Oginga’s leadership without adherence to formal party procedures, including a properly convened National Delegates Conference.
“I cannot be the SG of Oburu Oginga,” Sifuna was quoted as saying, signalling a direct challenge to the new leadership arrangement.
The remarks come at a time when Sifuna has increasingly positioned himself as a strong internal voice within ODM, with allies and critics alike describing him as a “one-term politician” amid growing internal factional battles and speculation over his future in elective politics.
His statement has intensified debate within the party, especially given the central role of the Secretary General in ODM’s operations, communications, and organisational structure.
The contrasting positions highlight widening fault lines within ODM as it navigates a post-Raila Odinga political era, with competing camps emerging over authority, succession, and the direction of the party.
While Oburu has emphasised unity, discipline, and coalition-building, Sifuna’s rejection underscores resistance from sections of the leadership demanding strict constitutional adherence before accepting new authority structures.
Political observers say the developments reflect deeper uncertainty within ODM as it attempts to redefine its identity amid shifting national alliances and evolving relations with the Kenya Kwanza administration led by President William Ruto.
As of publication, ODM had not issued an official response to Sifuna’s remarks, leaving the party facing its first major internal test under its new leadership.
