ODM Leaders Hold Crucial Meeting to Protect Party Unity and Strengthen Cohesion Amid Rising Internal Turmoil Ahead of 2027 Elections

ODM leader Oburu Oginga and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna met privately on Wednesday, January 7. The meeting aimed to strengthen party unity and address rising tensions. Some party members have openly supported President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, putting Sifuna at the centre of controversy.

The party said discussions focused on growth, cohesion, and the future direction of ODM. “Secretary General Sen. Edwin Sifuna called on Party Leader Sen. Oburu Oginga this morning. Their meeting centred on the unity and growth of the party,” the party tweeted. The meeting followed intervention by the ODM Board of Trustees, appointed by the late Raila Odinga, which blocked attempts to expel Sifuna.

Sifuna had faced pressure from some members to resign. Critics accused him of supporting positions against the party’s interests. He denied the claims, saying Raila never endorsed such positions. Sifuna said the accusations were politically motivated to weaken ODM ahead of 2027.

The Board of Trustees held a high-level meeting with key figures, including Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga. Their intervention stopped the push to remove Sifuna. It also gave him time to continue as secretary general and party spokesperson. Party insiders warned that a hasty attempt to expel him could deepen divisions and reduce ODM’s political influence.

Senior leaders, including national treasurer Timothy Bosire, former Attorney General Amos Wako, deputy secretary general Agnes Zani, and Director of Finance Joshua Kawino, are expected to join further discussions. These consultations aim to include all stakeholders, especially representatives of the Western Kenya base.

The controversy began when Migori senator Eddy Oketch filed a motion to remove Sifuna from ODM and his parliamentary role. The motion was later withdrawn after party consultations. ODM insiders say removing Sifuna could alienate Western Kenya voters. They warn it could weaken the party’s influence ahead of the 2027 elections.