Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of interfering in the party’s internal affairs, deepening divisions following the removal of Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General.
The accusations were made during the ODM Linda Ground event in Lamu on Thursday, where National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga claimed the former Head of State was behind the ongoing wrangles within the party.
Junet: “Focus on Jubilee”
Junet told Kenyatta to concentrate on leading his Jubilee Party and stay out of ODM matters. He argued that the challenges facing the party were not linked to President William Ruto or the broad-based government arrangement, but to alleged behind-the-scenes influence by Kenyatta.
“We asked him to help us win in 2022 so that Raila becomes president, but that did not happen. He should now give us space to run our affairs,” Junet said.
He further claimed that although Kenyatta appears retired from active politics, he continues to influence opposition leaders from behind the scenes.
Wanga Defends NEC Decision
Governor Wanga, who also serves as ODM National Chairperson, defended the National Executive Committee (NEC) decision to remove Sifuna. She maintained that the meeting was properly constituted and followed party rules.
According to Wanga, 34 out of 40 NEC members were present during the meeting in Mombasa, making the decision valid.
“ODM is a democratic party, but discipline must be upheld. Indiscipline cannot be confused with democracy,” she said.
She also dismissed claims that the party’s late leader Raila Odinga had been compromised politically before his death in October last year, terming such remarks as disrespectful.
Claims of Political Realignments
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir added that some leaders who disagreed with the party’s direction had already aligned themselves with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He alleged that certain members had long planned to destabilise ODM before exiting the party.
Background
The fallout follows a NEC meeting in Mombasa that resolved to remove Sifuna from his position, citing concerns over discipline within the party’s top leadership. The decision has since sparked sharp reactions within ODM ranks and raised questions about the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The developments signal growing tensions within ODM as it navigates leadership changes and shifting political alliances following Odinga’s death.
Further reactions from Jubilee Party or Sifuna himself were yet to be issued at the time of publication.
