ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has intervened to contain internal tensions within the party, leading to the withdrawal of a petition that sought to remove Secretary General Edwin Sifuna from his party and parliamentary positions.
The move came amid growing concern among party leaders that the dispute risked deepening divisions within ODM at a sensitive moment following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga.
Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo warned against public disagreements, saying the party risked weakening itself through internal disputes.
“Barely three months after the passing of our party leader Baba Raila Amollo Odinga, we are airing our disagreements in public and weakening the house he built,” Madzayo said.
The petition, filed by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, sought Sifuna’s removal as ODM secretary general and Senate deputy minority whip.
It also called for his expulsion from the party and removal from parliamentary committees tied to his ODM membership.
In the petition addressed to ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, Oketch accused Sifuna of acting contrary to party positions, opposing ODM’s cooperation agreement with President William Ruto’s administration, and engaging with rival political parties while serving as the party’s spokesperson.
The petition cited provisions of the ODM constitution that require party officials to adhere to collective decisions and respect the authority of the party leader in political negotiations.
It also raised concerns over public remarks by Sifuna that party leaders said should have been handled internally.
As debate over the petition intensified, several ODM leaders called for dialogue rather than disciplinary action.
ODM vice-chairperson Otiende Amollo and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo urged Oburu to convene an urgent internal meeting to address grievances. “
We encourage the party leader to call for an internal session to stop the ongoing mud-slinging,” Otiende said.
Millie said the party needed introspection to restore focus and unity. Some ODM legislators dismissed the petition as unlikely to succeed, arguing it was driven by personal differences rather than party interests.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi said the complaints raised did not meet the threshold required for disciplinary action. Others warned that removing Sifuna could alienate key support bases.
Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga cautioned that such a move could trigger discontent among ODM supporters in Western Kenya.
Following consultations, the petition was withdrawn.
In a letter dated January 5, Oketch, through his lawyers, confirmed that the decision was reached after engagement with the party leadership and relevant party organs.
“Our client, in consultation with the party leader and the relevant party organs, has been persuaded to withdraw the motion,” the letter stated.
The episode has underscored the growing role Oburu is playing in managing internal party disputes, as ODM navigates leadership and unity challenges in the post-Raila period.
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