Ruth Odinga Defends Sifuna, Calls for ODM Unity Amid Internal Rift
Politics Updated: 18 February 2026 22:22 EAT
Hon. Ruth Odinga speaking during an interview at KTN Prime News. Photo credit:KTN on X
Ruth Odinga, Kisumu Woman Representative and sister to the late Raila Odinga, has waded into the ongoing leadership tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), defending Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and urging the party to return to its foundational principles.
Speaking on the controversy surrounding Sifuna’s public statements, Ruth said, “Edwin Sifuna has been speaking his mind and has his right, and if there was any issue about discipline, he should have also been given the right to reply. Even in Shakahola, the accused people were also given a chance to speak.” Her comments underscore the debate over whether internal dissent should be aired publicly or addressed privately within party structures.
The controversy erupted after Sifuna openly criticised elements of ODM leadership, including strategic decisions regarding coalition negotiations with the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration. Some party elders accused him of disloyalty and breaching protocol, prompting the party to relieve him of his Secretary General role.
Ruth Odinga stressed that internal debate is vital for ODM, arguing that suppressing voices risks steering the party away from its core mission. She stated, “ODM as a party is not keen on this 'one-term,' 'two-term.' So, if you look at all these groupings that they are bringing in, it deviates from what ODM is all about. We need to bring ourselves back.”
Her remarks reflect a growing concern among some party members that factionalism and preoccupation with term limits are overshadowing the party’s ideological roots. Ruth emphasized that ODM’s focus should remain on collective goals and long-term strategy rather than individual ambitions.
Ruth also highlighted the enduring legacy of Raila Odinga in shaping ODM’s identity. “There is a glue that Raila had that made Kenya what Kenya was, and he shaped a lot of our politics, and we cannot run away from that. But even then, the ODM family really relied heavily on him. We must come to that reality. It's not that there is a vacuum; it's just that everybody is jostling,” she said.
Her comments were interpreted as a reminder that the late leader’s influence remains central to the party, and that members must navigate disagreements without fracturing the ODM family.
The party’s internal rift has also brought legal and political challenges. While Sifuna has been removed as Secretary General, he has retained his membership and is pursuing legal avenues to contest the decision, arguing that due process was not followed.
Oburu Oginga, who now leads the party, has publicly criticised Sifuna’s approach, framing his public statements as a threat to unity. Meanwhile, other leaders, including former chair John Mbadi, have urged adherence to party discipline while cautioning against heavy-handed measures that could alienate members.
Ruth Odinga’s defense of Sifuna highlights a tension in ODM between enforcing loyalty and allowing open debate, a dynamic that party insiders say has become more pronounced as the 2027 elections approach.
She also cautioned against drifting away from ODM’s founding philosophy. “We need to bring ourselves back,” she repeated, calling on members to prioritise internal cohesion and shared vision over factional posturing.
Observers note that Ruth Odinga’s intervention may serve to temper the escalating factionalism and encourage mediation between conflicting leaders, reinforcing a narrative of dialogue rather than confrontation.
The ODM leadership crisis remains fluid, with ongoing court cases, party disciplinary processes, and public statements shaping the discourse. Ruth Odinga’s comments signal a push to uphold both democratic debate and party unity as critical elements in navigating the party through a politically sensitive period.
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FELIX MAKONA
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