The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) continues to reel from intense internal upheaval following the death of its founding leader, Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025.
Once a tightly unified opposition force, the party has splintered into rival factions, with leadership changes, public defiance, and calls for unity dominating headlines as it grapples with its direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The crisis escalated on February 11, 2026, when ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) convened in Mombasa and announced the immediate removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his post as Secretary General.
The NEC cited concerns over Sifuna’s conduct, including perceived indiscipline and resistance to emerging alliances. In his place, Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, then Deputy Secretary General, was appointed acting Secretary General to maintain operational stability until a substantive replacement is elected.
Sifuna immediately rejected the decision, calling it “illegal, unprocedural, and a blatant violation of the ODM Constitution.” In a public statement, he insisted he remains the duly elected Secretary General and a loyal party member, vowing to challenge the move in court.
Reports indicate that a court has since stayed the gazettement of his ouster, granting him temporary reprieve. His supporters, including some within the Odinga family circle, have rallied behind him, framing the move as a purge of dissenting voices.
Adding to the family dimension, Raila’s daughter and East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga openly backed Sifuna, defying her uncle Oburu Odinga, who currently serves as the party’s interim leader.
Winnie criticized the post-Raila leadership transition as secretive and unconstitutional, warning that opportunists are exploiting the vacuum left by her father’s death.
Oburu’s camp, which includes figures such as Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and others favoring pragmatic engagement with President William Ruto’s government, defended the changes.
They argue that the NEC’s decision upholds party discipline and positions ODM to remain relevant in a broad-based political landscape.
Efforts to de-escalate tensions came on February 17, 2026, when the Luo Council of Elders met with Mbadi at the National Treasury in Nairobi. The elders urged rival factions to embrace dialogue, reject anti-government street protests, and prioritize unity within both the party and the broader Luo community.
Elder Stephen Mbot emphasized: “We want to keep ODM united, intact, and impactful in the political arena.” Mbadi echoed the sentiment, condemning calls for demonstrations and noting that divisions predated Raila’s passing but had previously been managed under his influence.
He called on dissenting leaders to clarify their positions openly to prevent further tensions.
Political analysts say the developments are a critical test of ODM’s survival.
James Ndegwa , a Nairobi-based political commentator, highlights the generational divide within the party.
“The young Turks like Sifuna represent a shift toward grassroots opposition and resistance to perceived compromises, while the old guard under Oburu seeks pragmatic alliances to maintain influence. Without reconciliation, this could lead to a splinter, eroding ODM’s leverage in any future coalitions.”he said.
Edwin Mwangi , a political expert warns of potential regional fallout: “Luo Nyanza remains ODM’s core stronghold, but warnings from Western Kenya leaders about waning support signal real risks.
The 2027 positioning—whether through pacts with UDA or a return to hard opposition—makes this evergreen drama. Factions must bridge the gap soon, or ODM could lose its historic clout.”
Veteran analyst Martin Oloo drew a sobering historical parallel: “Raila’s death in October 2025 created an irreplaceable void—no successor matches his charisma or unifying force.
These wrangles are classic symptoms of a party in painful transition. If unity fails, ODM risks the fate of KANU after Moi: gradual irrelevance despite a storied legacy.”