Quit ODM if you're unhappy, Uburu tells Sifuna, Orengo faction

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed claims of division within the party, telling members aligned with the Linda Mwananchi faction that they should leave if they are dissatisfied.

Oburu urged party members to respect internal democratic processes instead of rushing to the courts.

“ODM is not divided. ODM is united. It is only a few dissenting voices, and some of them don't even want to be disciplined before the disciplinary process starts. They are already in court. You cannot rush to court before exhausting the party processes of discipline,” he said.

Speaking during an empowerment programme in Suba, Homa Bay County, Oburu cautioned that party leadership positions come with responsibilities. 

“You cannot say that democracy is chaos and that you have your democratic right to oppose decisions you took part in making. If you are a Democrat, a party leader, a secretary general, a treasurer, or a policy maker, you must participate in the processes and respect the outcomes," he stressed.

He added: "The rule of democracy is that the minority have a say, but the majority have their way."

He further urged dissatisfied members to explore other political options. 

“If you are tired of ODM, it is a national party. There are other parties in Kenya where you can go. But within ODM, we will maintain discipline and unity,” Oburu said.

The remarks come amid tensions within the ODM party with the faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Siaya Governor James Orengo leading a parallel political campaign that openly questions party decisions and leadership positions.

The battle within the party escalated recently following the ejection of Sifuna as the secretary general of the party.

The court has issued, however, issued orders stopping it.

They have been publicly critical of the party’s leadership and decisions. 

Oburu’s statement is seen as a pushback against public dissent and an attempt to reinforce party cohesion ahead of the 2026 political calendar.

Among those present at the Suba event were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Governor Gladys Wanga, Senator Moses Kajwang and National Assembly minority leader Junet Mohamed.

Others were Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and several other PSs and MPs from the region.

“We must uphold the principles of discipline and participation. You cannot oppose what you had a hand in shaping. ODM remains strong because we respect our processes,” Oburu said.