Senator Edwin Sifuna is facing renewed scrutiny following pointed remarks by fellow lawmaker Okong'o Omogeni during an appearance on Citizen TV’s Day Break programme.
Omogeni, a senior figure within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), described Sifuna as a young leader who has made significant sacrifices for the party but may have accumulated numerous political adversaries in the process.
He suggested that Sifuna’s firm stance on internal discipline and party direction has come at a personal cost.
Warning Against Internal Purges
Drawing comparisons with the late Raila Odinga, Omogeni noted that ODM’s founding leader was adept at managing alliances and maintaining relationships even amid disagreements.
He cautioned that repeated expulsions or dismissals of members could severely weaken the party.
“If you want to start expelling people from parties and firing people, you will finish that party,” Omogeni stated, adding that internal wrangles only serve to strengthen President William Ruto politically by weakening ODM ahead of future negotiations.
Rising Tensions Within ODM
The remarks come amid heightened tensions within ODM, including recent developments surrounding Sifuna’s position as Secretary General.
The situation has ignited broader debates about party unity, discipline, and long-term strategy as the political landscape shifts toward 2027.
Calls for reconciliation have emerged from various quarters. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has urged party leaders to seek truce and preserve cohesion, while community elders have appealed for dialogue to prevent lasting divisions.
As ODM navigates internal disagreements alongside upcoming political activities such as planned regional tours, analysts suggest that sustained infighting could erode the party’s influence and bargaining power in Kenya’s evolving political scene.
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