Wamuzi News Ke
In a strong and strikingly rare public condemnation of the changing power dynamics within his own party, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has charged the party’s seniors with promoting a culture of impunity, intolerance, and dictatorship, thus raising the fear of political fracture deepening, just a few months before the 2027 general election.
During his speech on January 7, 2026, as a part of the tribute to the late Raila Odinga on the day that would have marked his 81st birthday, Sifuna made a bitter criticism of ODM’s present internal atmosphere, saying that the ideals and tenets the late Odinga had been advocating are being disrupted by a conspiracy of silence among the key party leaders.
The issuance of Sifuna’s remarks in writing after a relative period of silence signifies the most direct and public manifestation of dissatisfaction within ODM since the demise of the party leader last October.
Sifuna believes that the legacy of multiparty democracy, open debate, and political tolerance—which are the main features of Odinga’s ideologies—are now at risk from inside ODM, which he claims has gotten into authoritarianism.
“Baba, as the leading second liberation warrior, defended free speech and free choice based on the power of the people to govern through the Constitution,” Sifuna said.
He regretted that with the passing away of Odinga, not only has the Kenyan democratic space—and by implication ODM’s internal culture—gone through a period of regression rather than renewal.
The dispute comes at a time of increasing tensions within ODM, partly fueled by the recent confrontations between Sifuna and the party’s top members, one of whom is Sifuna’s major rival, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed. Sifuna has accused Mohamed of being in charge of the party’s finances during the 2022 elections.
According to some political analysts, Sifuna’s remark points to an even more serious problem of self-definition in ODM, with groups split over the issue of political strategy, partnerships, and the leadership that will replace Raila Odinga.
Close to the party negotiations, another source referred to the public rejection as a very clear indication of the power struggles within that are not yet resolved that might weaken ODM’s potential to win elections unless there is very quick and sincere reconciliation.
The statement has in some cases already caused reactions from both sides of the aisle, with some urging vigorous internal debate and others regarding Sifuna’s criticism as a tactical move in the battle for power and influence before elections.
