ODM Rift Deepens As Mbadi Pushes For Sifuna’s Expulsion
Politics Updated: 10 February 2026 11:57 EAT
Treasury cabinet secretary John Mbadi
The internal rift within the Orange Democratic Movement has widened after former national chairperson John Mbadi publicly called on the party leadership to expel Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of repeatedly defying party authority and undermining collective decisions.
Mbadi argued that Sifuna’s public statements and political posture are inconsistent with ODM’s agreed position, saying the party cannot retain senior officials who openly challenge its leadership and direction.
According to Mbadi, Sifuna has acted in disregard of the authority of party leader Oburu Odinga, whom he accused the Nairobi Senator of sidelining while advancing positions that contradict resolutions made by ODM organs.
He maintained that party discipline is non-negotiable, warning that continued tolerance of dissent from top officials risks weakening ODM at a time when unity is critical ahead of future political contests.
The dispute is largely anchored on ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, a position that has sharply divided the party’s leadership and grassroots supporters.
Mbadi and his allies insist that the cooperation framework remains a strategic decision meant to protect ODM’s long-term interests, arguing that it was agreed upon at the highest levels of the party.
On the other hand, Sifuna and leaders allied to him have openly questioned the arrangement, insisting that ODM must retain its independence and remain a strong opposition voice rather than appearing aligned with the government.
The Secretary General has defended his stance as principled, saying internal debate should not be mistaken for disloyalty and that ODM’s strength has historically been built on open engagement and accountability.
The disagreement has spilled into public rallies and political forums, with rival camps holding parallel engagements that reflect the growing mistrust and factionalism within the party.
Previous attempts to discipline or remove Sifuna were shelved in favour of dialogue, but Mbadi’s latest remarks have reignited calls for decisive action by the party’s top decision-making organs.
Political analysts note that the tensions have been amplified by unresolved leadership questions within ODM, following the loss of its long-time standard-bearer and the struggle to define a clear post-transition identity.
As pressure mounts on the party leadership to act, ODM now faces a defining moment that could either restore cohesion or push the divisions further, with far-reaching implications for its future role in national politics.
Tags: National Treasury Treasury Editor's Pick Odm ODM Sifuna Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD