ODM is reportedly brewing a dramatic internal power struggle that could see the expulsion of party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, according to insider sources. The shock move, which is said to have been discussed in secret meetings, threatens to shake the foundation of one of Kenya’s most prominent political parties.
Sources close to the discussions claim that a clandestine gathering took place at the residence of Nyando MP Jared Okello on Wednesday, where key party members strategized on replacing Sifuna with Okello. Among those in attendance were influential ODM figures, including Jaoko Oburu Odinga, a key advisor to Githinji in the powerful “Thingira wa Iregi” network, and a prominent MCA from Kisumu.
At the heart of the discussions was the proposal to oust Sifuna for allegedly undermining the party’s ideals. The plot centers around accusations that Sifuna has become too aligned with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and has been inciting tribalism within the party. The ODM leadership is reportedly concerned that Sifuna’s actions are undermining the unity of the party and straying from the principles of inclusivity and broad-based leadership.
In response to these accusations, some party figures, including Kasmuel, are openly calling for Sifuna’s resignation, asserting that if the Secretary-General truly believes ODM is no longer a suitable platform for him, he should step down voluntarily. Kasmuel is said to have urged Sifuna to “resign if you feel ODM is too retrogressive for you.”
Further stirring the pot, political figures like Morara Kebaso are rallying Kenya’s youth to form a new political movement, suggesting that a youthful political party could be the answer to ODM’s ongoing leadership issues. “We should raise Ksh10 million and form a new party,” Kebaso declared, calling for a more youthful, dynamic force to rise in Kenyan politics.
In stark contrast, former Minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa warned that any attempt to oust key party members like Sifuna and Babu Owino could be disastrous for ODM, potentially fracturing the party’s already delicate unity. “There are parasites in ODM, but there are also warriors like Sifuna, Amisi, and Owino,” noted Nelson Havi, underscoring the potential political fallout.
With another secret meeting scheduled for Friday at Oburu Odinga’s residence to finalize plans, the stage is set for a potentially game-changing move within ODM. The coming days will determine if Sifuna’s position within the party can withstand the pressure or if his political career will take a dramatic turn.
