Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has dropped a bombshell, claiming the Sifuna Babu Orengo ODM faction is secretly working in President William Ruto’s favour. The outspoken lawmaker made the remarks just hours after skipping the high-profile launch of the Linda Mwananchi tour in Busia, insisting the whole thing is a clever trap.
Salasya didn’t mince words. He described the push by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo as a “net” meant to scoop up Kenyans tired of the current government.
“This net of Sifuna, Babu, and Orengo is meant to catch undecided Kenyans who want change and do not want to be captured by Ruto,” he said.
But then he twisted the knife – suggesting it ultimately keeps people away from real opposition and benefits the president anyway. He further stated that both sides in the ODM divide are aligned in their pursuit of Ruto.
The comments came right after the Linda Mwananchi team kicked off their grassroots campaign in Busia on Sunday. Thousands turned out to cheer Sifuna and company as they vowed to protect ordinary citizens and keep ODM firmly in opposition mode.
Orengo took the mic too, praising Sifuna’s energy and warning against selling the party cheap.
Salasya, who’s no stranger to controversy himself, stayed away on purpose. He told reporters he saw no point in showing up when he believes the effort only helps divide potential anti-Ruto votes.
Coming from a Kenya Kwanza ally – he’s often backed the president publicly – the attack landed hard. Critics say he’s just echoing State House talking points to weaken ODM ahead of 2027.
But the MP stuck to his guns. In interviews and social media posts, he explained that both the Linda Ground rallies led by party boss Oburu Oginga and this new Mwananchi push end up serving the same master.
Oburu’s side has been open to dialogue with Ruto’s camp, talking about cooperation and shared power. The rebels reject that outright, insisting ODM must stay independent and field its own candidate next election.
The split has been brewing for months. Ever since talks of broader government involvement surfaced, younger leaders like Sifuna and Babu have pushed back hard.
They’ve questioned funding for big events, demanded transparency, and rallied supporters around protecting the party’s original fire. Busia marked their big coming-out party, with crowds chanting and orange flags waving everywhere.
Reactions poured in quick. Some ODM diehards dismissed Salasya as an outsider meddling where he doesn’t belong. “He’s not even in the party – why comment?” one supporter asked online.
Others agreed with him partly, worrying constant infighting only strengthens the ruling side. A few even joked he’s jealous the rebels are pulling bigger crowds without government cash.
Sifuna hasn’t responded directly yet, but his team kept the focus on people during the Busia event. Babu Owino, always ready with a sharp line, might have something saved for later. Orengo called for unity but made it clear – no rushing into bed with UDA.
Salasya’s broadside adds more heat to an already boiling pot. With tours planned across counties, parallel campaigns running, and accusations flying, ODM looks more fractured than ever. Voters in strongholds like Nyanza and Nairobi are left wondering who really speaks for them.
Ultimately, Peter Salasya’s criticism of the Sifuna Babu Orengo ODM faction has led to individuals once again choosing sides. Is it genuine concern or just political gamesmanship? One thing’s sure – Kenyan opposition drama shows no signs of cooling off anytime soon. As the tours continue, eyes stay glued to what breaks next.
