Edwin Sifuna has claimed he skipped the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party meeting in Mombasa after receiving information that groups had allegedly been mobilised to attack him.
Speaking during an interview on Inooro FM, the ODM Secretary General alleged that individuals had been deployed to cause chaos and target dissenting members attending the Parliamentary Group meeting.
According to Sifuna, he chose to prioritise his safety instead of attending the gathering.
“I could not attend that meeting. There are many planned party meetings, and they want you to attend their meetings so that you are attacked,” he claimed.
The senator further alleged that ODM has developed a culture of allegedly using youthful groups to intimidate or disrupt meetings involving leaders seen as dissenters within the party.
He claimed similar incidents had previously occurred during party meetings in Kilifi and Mombasa.
Sifuna, who is associated with the rival Linda Mwananchi faction within ODM, argued that he is being sidelined because of his opposition to efforts by some party members to support William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He insisted that divisions within ODM largely stem from disagreements over the party’s relationship with Ruto’s administration.
Sifuna also referenced calls by Ida Odinga urging party members to resolve internal disputes before formal meetings are held.
The Nairobi senator further argued that ODM’s founding ideals under the late Raila Odinga emphasized coalitions with like-minded partners, claiming the current alliance discussions contradict those principles.
Other leaders linked to the Linda Mwananchi faction include James Orengo and Babu Owino, who have recently criticised President Ruto’s administration during public engagements.
The ODM meeting in Mombasa reportedly brought together nearly 100 members of the party’s parliamentary group, 13 governors and members of the National Executive Council (NEC).
