ODM Leader Oburu Oginga has met with the Party’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna as internal disputes continue to rock the party.
In a statement on Wednesday, Oburu said that the meeting, conducted at his office in Nairobi, was aimed at easing internal tensions and fostering unity within the Orange party.
Oburu praised Sifuna as a sober and principled voice, noting his commitment to upholding the ideals of the party.
“I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party, this morning. He remains a sober and principled voice, embodying the democratic ideals we believe in as a party,” Oburu said.
Sifuna has faced backlash from a section of ODM leaders for openly criticizing the broad-based government arrangement, an alliance in which the party is involved. Some leaders have also accused him of undermining the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
On Monay January 5, Migori Senator Eddy Okech wrote to the party, seeking his removal as Secretary General and disqualification as Senate Deputy Minority Whip. Hon Okech accused Sifuna of gross misconduct and disrespect towards the party’s top leadership.
The Migori Senator, through his lawyers, later withdrew the motion, after consulting the party leaders including Oburu Oginga.
“Following wide consultations with the Party Leader, Senator Dr Oburu Oginga and with utmost respect to the spirit of the founding Party Leader, the late Raila Amollo Odinga, who embraced dialogue even with his fiercest enemies as the most preferred method of dispute resolution, we have received further instructions from our client as hereunder,” the letter stated.
However, Oburu, who appeared to be against attempts to get rid of Sifuna, stated that every leader has a right to hold a divergent opinion, emphasizing that such diversity of thought is essential for the growth and strength of any great party.
“As a leader, I believe we must encourage everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties, like ODM, grow through robust debate and unique challenges. That is where the progress and continuity of our party truly lie: in the hands of our young people,” he added.
He noted that the disagreements within ODM should not be mistaken as divisions, reiterating that the party remains united and focused ahead of the 2027 general elections.
