Fresh internal tensions have surfaced within Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi called for the removal of party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of leading a “rebel” movement from within.
Speaking in Suba South, Homa Bay County, Mbadi said the party’s Central Management Committee should move quickly to deal with Sifuna’s position, arguing that leaders who disagree with ODM’s direction should leave so the party can proceed without internal obstruction.
Mbadi calls for party disciplinary action
Mbadi said Sifuna was “conflicted” and accused him of promoting an agenda that was not aligned with ODM’s leadership. He argued that those opposed to the party’s policies should be shown the door, and said a decision would clarify who would exit alongside them.
His remarks came as ODM faces competing public campaigns linked to strategy and alliances ahead of the next general election.
Rival mobilisation drives deepen ODM rift
The dispute has been amplified by the emergence of competing grassroots activities within ODM. A faction allied to Sifuna has launched the “Linda Mwananchi” tour, positioning it as a counterweight to “Linda Ground”, a mobilisation initiative associated with party leader Oburu Oginga and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, amid debate over possible cooperation with President William Ruto’s ruling coalition.
Leaders linked to the Linda Mwananchi effort have argued that ODM should remain politically independent and field its own presidential candidate, while figures aligned with Oginga have defended continued engagement and negotiations.
Previous boycotts and leadership disputes set the stage
The latest clash follows earlier signs of strain, including a January boycott by Sifuna and other senior figures of a Central Management Committee meeting, which was seen as reflecting broader disagreements over party discipline, leadership and ODM’s posture toward the government.
As of Monday, ODM had not announced any formal disciplinary decision regarding Sifuna, while both factions continued to press their positions through public statements and rallies.
