Internal fights in Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement party grew louder over the Christmas period. Party member Oketch Salah accused Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of being a mole working to divide ODM. Salah made the claims during a public gathering in Kisumu on December 24.
Salah said the late Raila Odinga told him privately before his death on October 15, 2025. According to Salah, Raila called Sifuna disloyal and someone wrecking the party from inside. Salah spoke as ODM adjusts to new leadership. Raila’s brother Oburu Oginga took over as party leader. Gladys Wanga handles day-to-day roles as the chair.
These words added fuel to existing problems. ODM members disagree on direction after Raila’s passing. Some want to keep working with President William Ruto’s government, while others prefer being in full opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Critics reacted to Salah’s words quickly. Many called him an opportunist. They said he waited until Raila died to speak out. During Raila’s life, he defended Sifuna strongly. Raila often said Sifuna’s views matched the official party line. Supporters now question why Salah stayed quiet then.
Junet Mohamed, a close Raila ally, has criticised Sifuna before. He accused Sifuna and others of trying to pull ODM away from the current setup. Junet wants the party to stay in the broad-based government. Sifuna speaks out against some Ruto moves. His supporters view this as a demonstration of true opposition spirit.
Salah remains less known in top circles. Some dismiss him as an outsider looking for attention. Others wonder about timing. Christmas gatherings often turn political in Nyanza. People talk freely about party matters.
ODM faces real challenges now. Raila held things together for decades. Without him, old differences surface. Luo supporters split on cooperation versus confrontation. A full break could hurt the party in strongholds.
No proof was shared for Salah’s private talk claim. It stays as his word. Sifuna has not replied directly yet. He keeps postings on policy issues online.
Leadership changes came fast after Raila’s death. Oburu and Wanga try to steady things. National Executive Committee meetings happen quietly. Public attacks like this make unity harder.
2027 elections feel far but close in Kenyan politics. Parties establish their positions early. ODM needs clear stands on alliances. Staying with Ruto brings projects to regions. Going on opposition revives old base energy.
Similar accusations flew before. Moles and betrayal talk are common when power shifts. This one hits different because it uses Raila’s name.
People in Kisumu heard Salah directly. Crowds listened as he laid out views. Similar talks happen in other counties like Siaya or Homa Bay.
For now, the party holds together officially. Cabinet members from ODM stay in post. But grassroots feel the strain.
Critics of Salah point to his past roles. He supported certain factions before. Timing raises eyebrows for many.
Sifuna built a strong voice online and in the Senate. Young people like his direct style against the government. Defenders say he keeps ODM relevant.
The feud raises deeper questions. What path honours Raila’s legacy best? He chose cooperation late in life, but he led opposition for a long time.
As holidays continue, more voices might join. Family events mix with politics in Nyanza homes.
ODM’s future matters for national balance. It holds big votes in several areas. A split would change 2027 maths.
