- ODM’s internal conflict has become public after the Minority Leader in Parliament Junet Mohamed openly opposed the party’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna
- The crisis was sparked by Sifuna’s public defense against former president Uhuru Kenyatta, where the Nairobi senator apologized for repeated attacks from senior ODM leaders.
- Sifuna’s speech, full of symbolism and historical references, accused some ODM leaders of political ingratitude and short memories
- The crisis escalated online when Junet responded with a defiant message that exposed the growing ideological and leadership divide within ODM
Minority Leader in Parliament Junet Mohamed has opposed the secretary general of ODM Edwin Sifunaincreasing tension within the Orange Democratic Movement Party.
Source: Facebook
The feelings of the Member of Parliament for Suna East came following Sifuna’s strong criticism of party leaders who have been attacking the retired president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Why did Sifuna apologize to Uhuru?
The conflict occurred on Tuesday, December 30, after the Nairobi senator made a strong speech in Kakamega during the funeral of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, an event attended by Uhuru.
In his remarks, the Nairobi senator apologized to the former president for what he described as insults from some senior ODM leaders, accusing them of ingratitude and a short political memory.
Sifuna reiterated his apology regarding Uhuru’s role in the 2022 General Election, when the former head of state supported the bid Raila Odinga of running for the presidency.
He warned ODM leaders against attacking Uhuru, saying it was wrong to turn against a man who once stood with the leadership of the party at a crucial political moment.
“Uhuru Kenyatta, today is the thirtieth of December, 2025. Since I am still the secretary general of the party, and still the spokesperson of ODM, I want, on behalf of the ODM party, to apologize for the insults directed at you by some ODM leaders who have forgotten the work you did to help Baba (Raila Odinga) become president. On behalf of the entire ODM party, because the party includes wise and foolish people, I want, on behalf of the fools So, I apologize for the insults directed at you.
If there is no day that ODM said thank you, today I want to say as the General Secretary of ODM: thank you for standing with Father. Father Raila Amollo Odinga used to tell us every day that you were one of his few true friends, and we will continue to respect you,” Sifuna said, addressing Uhuru directly.
He went on to use a Luhya proverb to emphasize his point, accusing some prominent members of the party of burning bridges for political gain. Sifuna recognized Uhuru’s personal and physical commitment during Raila’s 2022 campaign and emphasized that those present at the time were witnesses to that support.
How did Junet answer Sifuna?
The remarks led to an immediate strong response from Junet, who has been at the center of recent attacks against Uhuru by some senior ODM leaders.
In a defamatory post on X, the Suna East MP said he was ready to lead a group that Sifuna had rejected as fools in the Orange party.
“I will be the spokesperson of the ‘SAVAGE’ Group in the Mighty ODM party. Without fear and favour, so help me God. We are ready,” Junet wrote.
The outspoken MP influenced the ODM secretary general and questioned whether Kenya’s multi-party democracy only thrives when ODM is in opposition.
Junet’s response exposed the growing divisions within ODM, making the party’s secretary general different from influential people in the party.
Was the ODM party sold out?
As previously reported, the talks did not emerge alone, as in recent weeks, the ODM leadership, led by the party chairman and the governor of Homa Bay Gladys Wangayou accused Uhuru of trying to interfere in the internal affairs of the party.
Speaking in front of Ruto, Wanga launched a scathing attack on the former president, claiming that he was using insiders to sow division within ODM.
Junet reinforced the strong position taken by some ODM leaders who see Uhuru’s influence as a threat to the unity of the party, especially at a time when ODM enjoys a cooperative relationship with Ruto.
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