ODM Under Pressure: A Leadership in Flux

 

Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has publicly apologized to ODM members for the confusion caused by internal contradictions. He explained that coordinating the party's messaging has become hard as ODM leaders in government make statements that conflict with the party's core values, hampering his ability to speak on its behalf. 

Sifuna has stated that he will resign if ODM formally supports President Ruto's 2027 re-election bid, emphasizing that his continued role depends on the party rejecting the current relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration. 

Reflecting on his personal struggle, he reaffirmed his belief in ODM's mission: “Even when I became SG… If the party decides to go ahead with the merger in 2027, then I will have no option but to resign.” 

CEO Oduor Ong’wen has publicly supported Sifuna, clarifying that he remains the official voice of ODM. Ong’wen stressed that Sifuna can represent party positions and share personal views, which is normal in a democratic context. 

He also stated that internal disagreements about Sifuna's role haven’t led to any formal complaints, and the party would address any issues through its internal democratic processes.   

On July 17, ODM endorsed the reconstituted IEBC and called on the electoral body to ensure a fair election in 2027. The party urged politicians unhappy with President Ruto's leadership to challenge him at the ballot, rejecting any alternative routes to power such as violence or regime sabotage. 

ODM reaffirmed its commitment to a broad-based government framework while condemning looting during recent Saba Saba protests and demanding accountability from both the perpetrators and security forces. 

ODM's Deputies, including Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, recently met with Russia’s ruling United Russia Party in Moscow. The discussions focused on strengthening political diplomacy and democratic governance partnerships. 

Party leader Raila Odinga has proposed a national civic assembly to address public frustration and drive reforms. However, former ally Martha Karua has rejected this idea, calling it a repeat of the controversial NADCO process and arguing it does not hold the government accountable. 

Alignment with Ruto   Working relationship under MoU   Sifuna opposed; may resign if formal support is given 

Messaging consistency   Official voice through SG   Ministries/MPs contradicting Sifuna 

Electoral integrity   IEBC elections 2027 must be credible   Criticism of the government’s lawlessness 

Reform & dialogue   Supports national assembly concept   Some allies oppose dialogue with government 

Global engagement   Expanding international links (Russia)   Seen as positioning ODM beyond local fault lines 

During the briefing on July 24, SG Sifuna reiterated his view: he believes ODM’s relationship with the ruling UDA party is unsustainable and insisted that any further formal support for Ruto would lead to his resignation. At the same time, Ong’wen reaffirmed internal party unity, defending Sifuna’s autonomy and reaffirming trust in his leadership role. 

ODM appears to be at a crossroads, balancing cooperation with the Ruto administration under a Memorandum of Understanding while trying to keep ideological unity and satisfy members who are skeptical of this alignment. At the center of these tensions is Edwin Sifuna, whose principled stance reflects broader concerns among party members. Whether ODM moves forward with reform discussions and international diplomacy—or sharpens its identity against growing alliances—its next steps through 2027 will be crucial for Kenya’s political landscape.