Oburu Odinga has thrown his support behind Edwin Sifuna amid efforts to keep the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) united in Kenya. The acting party leader met the Nairobi Senator, who serves as Secretary General, in Nairobi on January 7, 2026. Oburu called Sifuna a sober and principled voice for the party.
The meeting happened at Oburu’s office. It came just a day after Migori Senator Eddy Oketch pulled back his petition to remove Sifuna from his post. Oketch had accused Sifuna of misconduct and causing splits. But after talks with party leaders, he chose to withdraw it and go for dialogue instead.
Oburu spoke clearly after the sit-down. “I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party, this morning,” he said. “He remains a sober and principled voice, embodying the democratic ideals we believe in as the ODM party.” He added that differences in opinion do not mean the party is divided. Oburu stressed unity, saying ODM stands as one.
This support helps calm recent tensions. Sifuna has faced criticism from some members over his outspoken views. He often questions ODM’s role in the broad-based government with President William Ruto. Others in the party prefer smoother ties. The public clashes worried supporters, especially with elections still ahead in 2027.
Oketch’s withdrawal marked a turn. His lawyers sent a letter saying wide consultations led to the decision. They mentioned respect for the late Raila Odinga’s ways of handling disputes through talk, even with strong opponents. Ida Odinga and party trustees also helped push for peace.
Sifuna welcomed the move. He has said before that he won’t be the one to break ODM. In past statements, he promised to keep working for the party’s goals. His style brings in younger voters from Nairobi, but it rubs some older leaders the wrong way.
The party now looks to internal talks to resolve the issues. No dates announced yet for bigger meetings. But the focus stays on dialogue over punishment. Oburu, as Raila’s brother and current leader, carries weight in these matters. His words signal that Sifuna keeps his job for now.
Online, people shared mixed views. Some praised the maturity in choosing to talk. One post on a news page said it shows ODM learning from past splits. Others think problems run deeper and need real fixes. Comments mentioned worries about the party’s direction in the coalition.
ODM has a strong base in places like Nyanza, Western, and parts of Nairobi. Staying united matters for opposition strength. Recent events, like the Gachagua impeachment, highlighted different views inside. Sifuna led some efforts there, which sparked the original complaints.
For everyday members, this brings relief. No big fight means focus back on issues like economy or services. In counties, leaders deal with local projects while national drama plays out.
Oburu’s backing gives Sifuna room to continue. He attends Senate duties and party work as usual. Oketch shifts to his Migori role. The withdrawal letter noted no demands or deals—just a personal choice for peace.
This story shows Kenyan parties often sort internal rows behind closed doors. Public petitions grab headlines, but talks quiet them down. ODM aims to come out stronger.
As the week goes on, watch for more statements. Unity talks could lead to guidelines on speaking out. For now, the crisis seems paused. Sifuna stays in post, backed by the top.
