Crucial ODM meeting underway in Kilifi, Sifuna conspicuously absent

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party's key committee has begun holding talks to iron out differences that are threatening to break the party into pieces.

Members of the Central Management Committee (CMC) under the tutelage of party leader Oburu Oginga are currently at Vipingo Ridge Golf Resort in Kilifi County for the crucial talks.

Oginga called for the meeting following days of squabbles and public spats involving senior party officials who have differed on the future of ODM following its founding leader, Raila Odinga’s death in October last year.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir posted pictures of officials arriving at the meeting on Monday morning, saying he was there for ‘a candid and forward-looking engagement on emerging political and national issues.

“As the Orange Democratic Movement, we remain committed to internal consultation, unity of purpose, and principled leadership as we listen to our members and the Kenyan people while shaping the Party’s direction in the period ahead,” Nassir said.

The party has expressed sharp differences mainly pitting Secretary General Edwin Sifuna against chairperson Gladys Wanga and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, with the country witnessing a public spat between the two camps.

Sifuna is leading a camp that is opposed to any cooperation with President William Ruto under the Broad-Based arrangement, a position which sparked calls for him to be removed from the key office.

Among those who are in the meeting include Oginga who is chairing the CMC, his two deputies, Nassir and Simba Arati, Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Minority leaders Stewart Madzayo (Senate), Junet Mohamed (National Assembly), Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, ODM National Treasurers Timothy Bosire, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Chair of the Youth Caucus John Ketorah and Executive Director Oduor Ongwen.

It is not clear whether Sifuna will attend the meeting, as pictures shared by Nassir did not capture him with reports that he had missed his Monday morning flight. 

Other than the squabbles, ODM leaders are expected to discuss and come up with a resolution on a planned coalition agreement with UDA; a one of the key flashpoints fuelling the internal wrangles.

Some top party officials led by Oginga, Wanga, Arati, Nassir, and Junet are among those who favour an arrangement where the party supports Dr. William Ruto’s re-election.

“Now, as we approach 2027, we are not going to get into government through the back door. We are going to have a negotiated arrangement, which will be headed by me. It will not be easy, but a tough negotiation. We will get our share. 2026 is the year of negotiations for any arrangements,” Dr Oginga said last weekend.