Wamuzi News Ke
Political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have erupted as Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir issued a harsh ultimatum to a faction aligned to party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna: if they no longer support ODM’s direction, they are free to leave. The challenge deepens cracks threatening to split the party as 2027 approaches.
Nassir, also Governor of Mombasa, did not mince words. He accused dissenters of attempting to pull ODM away from its foundational values and pledged that the party would not bow to threats or ultimatums. His remarks appeared targeted at the “Kenya Moja” wing, which has publicly voiced frustration with ODM’s continuing collaboration with UDA.
Internal Rift Comes to the Surface
The confrontation follows a series of public statements from the Sifuna-aligned camp, hinting at a possible exit should ODM maintain its alliance with the ruling coalition. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi went so far as to say he might leave the party next year if ODM fails to adjust course.
Nassir’s counterattack signals that the party leadership is now positioning to defend its strategy and discipline against internal pressure. He suggested that latecomers to ODM, who now challenge its direction, should reconsider their allegiance rather than agitate for change from within.
Stakes Are High — The Threat of Fragmentation
This showdown stakes more than internal discord — it tests ODM’s cohesion at a critical moment. Analysts warn that open divisions could weaken the party’s negotiating power, undermine election preparedness, and embolden rival factions to poach disaffected members.
If Sifuna’s camp decides to leave, ODM faces the risk of a split that could redraw alliances ahead of the 2027 race. That scenario would force tough decisions for leaders, grassroots members, and coalition partners.
