The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is grappling with deepening internal discord as sharp disagreements between top leaders threaten to further destabilize the party. Treasury Cabinet Secretary and former ODM Chairman John Mbadi has publicly criticized Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, urging him to respect the established party hierarchy.
Speaking during an interview with Ramogi TV, Mbadi took issue with Sifuna’s recent public comments, which he described as divisive and unrepresentative of the party’s official position. He emphasized the supremacy of ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga in determining the party’s direction.
“Between the Party Leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” Mbadi posed rhetorically, underscoring that Raila Odinga remains the ultimate authority in ODM matters.
Mbadi also revealed that ODM Cabinet Secretaries currently serving in the Kenya Kwanza government including himself were appointed with Raila’s full knowledge and blessing, following consultations with President William Ruto. He dismissed Sifuna’s criticisms as personal opinions that do not reflect the party’s stance.
This response comes after Sifuna, in a candid appearance on Citizen TV’s The Explainer, acknowledged serious ideological confusion within ODM. The Nairobi Senator admitted that the party no longer speaks with one voice and struggles to define its position on key national issues such as constitutional rights, devolution, and public freedoms.
“There is a lot of confusion. I told my party leader that it used to be easy to be the SG of ODM… we never compromised on values,” said Sifuna. He blamed the mixed political loyalties within the party particularly the presence of ODM leaders in the government for the growing disillusionment among supporters.
Sifuna also issued a rare apology to ODM members, acknowledging leadership failures in maintaining unity and clarity. “I want to apologise to members of ODM for all the confusion we as a leadership have caused,” he stated.
As ODM continues to navigate these internal contradictions, questions are mounting over its coherence and readiness ahead of the 2027 elections, with calls growing louder for a return to ideological clarity and unity.
