- ODM leader, Oburu Oginga, and General Secretary Edwin Sifuna met privately to discuss the unity and growth of the party amid the internal crisis
- The ODM Board of Trustees, appointed by the late Raila Odinga, intervened to prevent attempts to remove Sifuna, explaining that the move could divide the party
- Party insiders say removing Sifuna could alienate ODM members from Western Kenya and weaken their political power ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The meeting was held on Wednesday, January 7, and focused on important issues including ODM unity
Edwin Sifunathis morning, met with the Party Leader Senator Oburu Oginga at his office in Nairobi.
Source: Twitter
Their meeting was based on the unity and growth of the party as a message on Twitter said after the meeting.
The meeting came after the Board of Trustees intervened to remove Sifuna from the position of General Secretary, due to the fear that the crisis could divide the party, just three months after the death of its leader. Raila Odinga.
The trustees appointed by Raila were tasked with protecting the stability of the party and overseeing its management, especially during such a transition.
Before the intervention, Sifuna had faced pressure from some members to resign, accusing him of collaborating with “enemies of the party” and allegedly acting against the interests of ODM.
Sifuna, who is also the spokesperson of ODM, said that some members are motivated by their own interests and are trying to “sell” the party by supporting Ruto for a second term, which Raila never approved.
A high-level meeting involving important leaders inside and outside ODM, including Raila’s wife, Ida Odingafinally prevented the plan to release Sifuna.
Insiders explained that the plan had no support from the party’s top leaders.
Several members noted that the proposal to remove Sifuna from the parliamentary positions and leave ODM was suddenly discovered by senior officials.
The Board of Trustees has now scheduled a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the matter.
Those expected to attend include ODM leader and Siaya senator Oburu Oginga, national accountant Timothy Bosire, former Attorney General and senator of kiss Amos Wako, Deputy Secretary General Agnes Zani, and Director of Finance and Administration Joshua Kawino.
Party insiders fear that an ill-considered petition could increase divisions within ODM and weaken its political strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
There are also fears that removing Sifuna, who is seen as a representative of Western Kenya, will remove an important base of support for the party.
Initially, the Migori senator, Eddy Oketch, filed a motion to remove Sifuna from ODM and his Senate position, but he was later removed after consultation with party leaders.
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