- Senator Oburu Oginga explained his view of ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna’s stance on the party and the broadbased arrangement with UDA
- He dismissed opinions from other former senior ODM members on the party’s broad-based position and explained why their views do not matter
- He also hinted at the party’s future ahead of the 2027 General Election, despite their commitment to fulfil the 10-point agenda under the broad-based government
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Siaya senator and acting ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has come to the defence of ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna amid growing internal tensions within the party.
Source: Facebook
The secretary general has consistently been firm on party ideologies and his opposition to the broad-based government arrangement between ODM and UDA.
Sifuna, also the Nairobi senator, had not endorsed President William Ruto’s re-election, despite a memorandum of association between the two parties.
His position drew criticism from ODM leaders aligned with the government, with some members calling for his removal from the position.
What did Oburu say about Sifuna’s stance on ODM?
Speaking during an interview with NTV Kenya on Sunday, November 2, Oburu emphasised that Sifuna’s views reflect the official position of ODM as left by the late party leader, Raila Odinga.
He urged party members to remain united and dismissed calls for Sifuna’s ouster, stating that this is not the time to isolate any member.
“I have heard Governor Gladys Wanga say several times that ODM will be on the ballot, but maybe there are circumstances they have endorsed Ruto, and maybe it escaped my attention. What I am telling you is the official position of the party from which Raila left us. Sifuna is right to say whatever he says because that is the true party position. He cannot be isolated. In my view, Sifuna is doing a good job. This is not the time to remove any member; we need unity,” stated Oburu.
Oburu also criticised ODM leaders currently serving in government, including CS John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, arguing that they no longer represent the party’s interests.
He asserted that their allegiance lies with the administration and called on them to resign from government roles if they wish to speak on behalf of ODM.
“Mbadi, Wandayi and other ODM leaders who joined the government are part of the administration. They are not speaking for our party. The president is their boss. They have to resign from the government,” he said.
Will ODM field a presidential candidate?
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Oburu hinted that ODM will field a presidential candidate and remain active in national politics.
He noted that any coalition decisions, whether pre- or post-election, will be discussed at the appropriate time.
For now, he said, the party remains committed to the broad-based arrangement with UDA and the shared 10-point agenda.
“We have a clear position. For now, we are concentrating on this broadbased arrangement which we have with UDA. The issues we are tackling are also in the 10-point agenda. We have not moved out of that nor have we said anything,” he added.
Will Oburu and Sifuna destroy ODM party?
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai accused Sifuna and his team of using Oburu to destroy the party.
Source: UGC
He claimed that by 2027, ODM would be reduced to a shell. Alai’s remarks sparked backlash, with many reminding him of his earlier endorsement of the party leadership.
Some supporters even urged him to leave ODM and officially join the UDA party, which he has frequently defended.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
