A fresh storm is brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as internal wrangles threaten to widen barely months after the passing of the party’s longtime leader Raila Odinga. The once united outfit now appears split into rival camps battling for control and direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
One faction is rallying behind newly declared party leader Oburu Odinga, working closely with allies such as Gladys Wanga.
The other is perceived to be aligned with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has recently taken bold positions on the party’s future and its place in the broad-based government arrangement.
Speculation intensified over the weekend after Anyang’ Nyong’o was conspicuously absent during the Linda Ground initiative meeting held in Kisumu.
The event, spearheaded by Oburu’s faction, was seen as a show of strength in ODM’s traditional stronghold. However, Nyong’o’s no-show has fueled talk of shifting alliances within the lakeside political landscape.
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Photos and videos circulating online showed key leaders allied to Oburu addressing enthusiastic supporters, but the Kisumu governor — elected on an ODM ticket — was nowhere in sight. Political observers now suggest his absence may not have been accidental, with some linking it to the growing ideological differences within the party.
While Oburu’s camp appears keen on consolidating control and maintaining influence within government structures, Sifuna’s allies have repeatedly insisted that ODM must field a strong presidential candidate in 2027 to safeguard Raila’s legacy.
As the battle for ODM’s soul intensifies, supporters are anxiously watching whether Nyong’o will publicly declare his stand — and whether the party can survive the mounting pressure without a major split.