Nairobi, Kenya – January 7, 2026 – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has publicly defended Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, urging him to continue speaking his mind despite mounting internal pressure to kick him ourt of the party.
Oburu met the embattled Nairobi Senator at his Nairobi office on Wednesday, a meeting that comes amid escalating wrangles within ODM over the party’s political direction and its role in the broad-based government.
“I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party. He remains a sober and principled voice who embodies the democratic ideals we believe in,” Oburu said.
Oburu Pushes Back Against Silencing Efforts
Crucially, Oburu dismissed growing attempts by some party members to restrain Sifuna, insisting that free expression remains central to ODM’s identity.
“Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties grow through debate and challenge,” he added.
Sifuna has remained openly critical of the broad-based government formed between President William Ruto and ODM, a stance that has repeatedly put him at odds with sections of the party leadership, as previously reported by sauce.co.ke.
Petition to Remove Sifuna Withdrawn
The intervention follows a dramatic internal showdown earlier this week. On Tuesday, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch filed a petition seeking to remove Sifuna as ODM Secretary General and strip him of all parliamentary committee roles.
Oketch accused Sifuna of gross misconduct, indiscipline, and defying ODM’s decision to join the broad-based government. He also alleged that Sifuna violated party rules by engaging rival political formations while serving as ODM’s official spokesperson.
However, hours later, Oketch withdrew the petition after consultations with senior party leaders.
In a letter addressed to the ODM Chairperson, Oketch’s lawyers cited talks with Oburu Odinga and respect for the legacy of the late party leader Raila Odinga, who consistently favoured dialogue over confrontation.
ODM Says Party Remains United
Despite visible cracks, Oburu insisted ODM remains united ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We are one. We are united as the ODM Party,” he said.
As sauce.co.ke reported earlier, Sifuna has emerged as one of the party’s most vocal figures on governance, insecurity, and rule of law—making him both influential and controversial.
