The Orange Democratic Movement has plunged into an internal crisis after rival factions held parallel National Delegates Conferences, exposing a growing struggle for control following the transition of Raila Odinga.
The meetings, staged at Jamhuri Park and Ufangamano House, brought to the surface a widening split between factions aligned to Oburu Oginga and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
The parallel gatherings marked a significant shift in the party’s political direction, signaling a post-Raila era defined by internal contestation rather than unified opposition politics.
At Ufangamano House, police officers and anti-riot units were deployed around the venue as Sifuna supporters gathered. The security presence mirrored past political moments associated with ODM’s history of resistance.
Sifuna urged supporters to remain resolute, saying the movement would not be intimidated.
The Sifuna-led faction, backed by leaders including James Orengo, positioned itself as the custodian of the party’s founding ideals.
Orengo said the “soul” of ODM remained with the Ufangamano gathering, dismissing the rival meeting as unconstitutional.
Sifuna declared he would not work with senior officials aligned to the opposing faction, including National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Elections Director Junet Mohammed.
Godfrey Osotsi also aligned himself with the Sifuna faction, describing the Jamhuri meeting as illegitimate.
The Ufangamano conference attracted grassroots delegates, reinforcing claims that it represented the broader support base within the party.
Jamhuri faction consolidates leadership
At Jamhuri Park, the Oburu-led faction moved to formalize leadership structures within the party.
Oburu was confirmed as party leader, while governors Simba Arati and Abdulsamad Nassir were named deputy party leaders. Wanga retained her position as national chairperson.
The faction also removed Osotsi from his leadership role, signaling a push to eliminate dissent within party ranks.
Efforts to elevate Winnie Odinga into a senior position did not succeed. She instead called for unity and urged leaders to avoid expulsions.
Oburu said members would not be expelled but warned that officials undermining unity could be removed from leadership positions.
Divisions within the party deepened over its approach to future political alliances, particularly engagement with the United Democratic Alliance associated with President William Ruto.
Oburu said a technical team would be formed to negotiate possible pre-election arrangements with UDA.
The proposal drew criticism from Sifuna allies, who rejected any cooperation with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Babu Owino said the focus should remain on defeating the current administration, warning against shifting the party’s political stance.
Junet said any engagement would be conditional, including protecting ODM strongholds from competition.
Historical echoes shape uncertain future
The crisis has drawn comparisons to earlier political disputes in Kenya that led to party fragmentation.
Caleb Amisi criticized the Oburu faction, warning that internal divisions could undermine the legacy associated with Raila.
Both factions are continuing with separate political activities, with the Sifuna group planning further engagements in Mombasa while the Oburu faction focuses on negotiations and consolidation.
As the 2027 elections approach, ODM faces a defining moment that could determine whether it remains unified or fragments into rival political formations.
