Diana Muthini
Here’s a fully written, long-form news article on the ODM tensions involving Wanga and Sifuna:
ODM Rift Deepens as Wanga Rebukes Sifuna Amid Escalating Party Tensions
By Diana Ndulu – Political Desk
NAIROBI, Kenya — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing one of its most intense internal crises in recent history, with divisions between senior leaders threatening to weaken the party’s cohesion just over a year before the 2027 general elections. The latest flashpoint came when ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga publicly rebuked Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of pursuing actions that could pull the party back into opposition and weaken its political influence.
Speaking during a rally in Ndhiwa Constituency, Wanga condemned Sifuna’s faction, warning grassroots members against following a path that she described as divisive and counterproductive. “We cannot allow a few voices to dictate the direction of ODM. The party has a vision, and it must remain united,” she said, emphasizing that ODM should maintain strategic alliances that strengthen its influence in government.
A Deepening Factional Divide
The conflict reflects a deeper ideological and strategic divide within the party. One camp, led by Wanga and veteran leader Oburu Oginga, advocates for careful engagement with the current government to secure political relevance. The other faction, associated with Sifuna, Babu Owino, and James Orengo, has been pushing for a more independent opposition stance, calling for ODM to assert itself without over-reliance on alliances.
The friction escalated after the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) voted to remove Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General, citing alleged breaches of party rules and indiscipline. Sifuna and his supporters denounced the move, claiming it violated party constitution and proper procedure, and immediately sought intervention from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The tribunal temporarily blocked the removal, signaling that the battle over leadership legitimacy is far from over.
Ruth Odinga Enters the Fray
Adding complexity to the situation, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has publicly backed Sifuna, criticizing the manner in which the NEC handled his removal. She described the process as rushed and unconstitutional, arguing that internal party democracy must be respected. Ruth has also questioned Wanga’s motives, suggesting that the push to sideline Sifuna is a strategy to consolidate power ahead of upcoming party elections.
Grassroots Mobilization and Public Perception
The party’s divisions have spilled into the streets. Sifuna’s “Linda Mwananchi” campaign has drawn large crowds in areas such as Kitengela and Kajiado, demonstrating strong support at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, Wanga’s faction continues to hold meetings in western Kenya, emphasizing discipline, party unity, and the importance of maintaining alliances. Analysts note that these parallel mobilizations reveal a party struggling to reconcile competing visions for its future.
Institutional Tensions and Legal Battles
Observers have highlighted that the crisis is not only about personalities but also about institutional weaknesses within ODM. Decisions are increasingly challenged in court rather than resolved internally, raising concerns about the effectiveness of party governance. The ongoing tribunal case over Sifuna’s removal could set important precedents regarding due process within political parties, with implications beyond ODM.
Implications for 2027
Political analysts warn that unless ODM manages to resolve its internal disputes, the party risks losing credibility and support ahead of the 2027 elections. A divided party may struggle to mobilize voters, negotiate alliances, or field a credible presidential candidate, leaving space for rivals to capitalize on the chaos.
With the National Executive Council meeting and a planned National Delegates Convention approaching, all eyes are on how ODM will navigate its internal crisis. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the party can reconcile its factions or whether the rift signals a deeper identity crisis that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape.
If you want, I can also write a version with a strong headline and subheadings suitable for publication in a major Kenyan newspaper, making it more dramatic and engaging for readers. Do you want me to do that?
ODM Rift Deepens as Wanga Rebukes Sifuna Amid Escalating Party Tensions
By Diana Ndulu – Political Desk
NAIROBI, Kenya — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing one of its most intense internal crises in recent history, with divisions between senior leaders threatening to weaken the party’s cohesion just over a year before the 2027 general elections. The latest flashpoint came when ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga publicly rebuked Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of pursuing actions that could pull the party back into opposition and weaken its political influence.
Speaking during a rally in Ndhiwa Constituency, Wanga condemned Sifuna’s faction, warning grassroots members against following a path that she described as divisive and counterproductive. “We cannot allow a few voices to dictate the direction of ODM. The party has a vision, and it must remain united,” she said, emphasizing that ODM should maintain strategic alliances that strengthen its influence in government.
A Deepening Factional Divide
The conflict reflects a deeper ideological and strategic divide within the party. One camp, led by Wanga and veteran leader Oburu Oginga, advocates for careful engagement with the current government to secure political relevance. The other faction, associated with Sifuna, Babu Owino, and James Orengo, has been pushing for a more independent opposition stance, calling for ODM to assert itself without over-reliance on alliances.
The friction escalated after the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) voted to remove Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General, citing alleged breaches of party rules and indiscipline. Sifuna and his supporters denounced the move, claiming it violated party constitution and proper procedure, and immediately sought intervention from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The tribunal temporarily blocked the removal, signaling that the battle over leadership legitimacy is far from over.
Ruth Odinga Enters the Fray
Adding complexity to the situation, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has publicly backed Sifuna, criticizing the manner in which the NEC handled his removal. She described the process as rushed and unconstitutional, arguing that internal party democracy must be respected. Ruth has also questioned Wanga’s motives, suggesting that the push to sideline Sifuna is a strategy to consolidate power ahead of upcoming party elections.
Grassroots Mobilization and Public Perception
The party’s divisions have spilled into the streets. Sifuna’s “Linda Mwananchi” campaign has drawn large crowds in areas such as Kitengela and Kajiado, demonstrating strong support at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, Wanga’s faction continues to hold meetings in western Kenya, emphasizing discipline, party unity, and the importance of maintaining alliances. Analysts note that these parallel mobilizations reveal a party struggling to reconcile competing visions for its future.
Institutional Tensions and Legal Battles
Observers have highlighted that the crisis is not only about personalities but also about institutional weaknesses within ODM. Decisions are increasingly challenged in court rather than resolved internally, raising concerns about the effectiveness of party governance. The ongoing tribunal case over Sifuna’s removal could set important precedents regarding due process within political parties, with implications beyond ODM.
Implications for 2027
Political analysts warn that unless ODM manages to resolve its internal disputes, the party risks losing credibility and support ahead of the 2027 elections. A divided party may struggle to mobilize voters, negotiate alliances, or field a credible presidential candidate, leaving space for rivals to capitalize on the chaos.
With the National Executive Council meeting and a planned National Delegates Convention approaching, all eyes are on how ODM will navigate its internal crisis. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the party can reconcile its factions or whether the rift signals a deeper identity crisis that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape.
If you want, I can also write a version with a strong headline and subheadings suitable for publication in a major Kenyan newspaper, making it more dramatic and engaging for readers. Do you want me to do that?
