‘Leave if You’re Uncomfortable!’ Oburu Oginga Tells Off Sifuna-Led ODM Rebel Faction
ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has sharply rebuked dissenting members within the Orange Democratic Movement, particularly those aligned with the Linda Mwananchi faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, urging them to exit the party if they disagree with its current direction.
Speaking at a Linda Ground rally in Siaya on February 21, 2026, Oburu emphasized that ODM would not expel anyone but refused to allow internal rebels to hinder the party's strategic negotiations with President William Ruto's administration and UDA ahead of the 2027 elections. He declared, “What we want is the unity of our party; we’re not expelling anybody from the party, but anybody who feels that he is uncomfortable with us can leave if he likes,” adding, “We’re going to do our own thing, please, if you’re not part of us do your own thing. We want to tell you to leave us alone.”
Oburu defended the ongoing talks as essential for bolstering ODM's position through policy alignment, development initiatives, and power-sharing arrangements, insisting the goal is to position the party as Kenya's leading force rather than remain perpetually in opposition. He highlighted ODM's formal resolution to exit the now-defunct Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, stating, “There is an organization called Azimio, where we were, and that Azimio died the day ODM left it... now we have passed a resolution to formalize our exit from Azimio and it is going to be dead as a dodo.” He stressed that no political party exists solely to stay in opposition, and after years in that role, ODM aims to secure real power in the upcoming polls.
Meanwhile, the Sifuna-led faction—also including figures like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo—continued its defiance, holding a parallel rally in Kakamega where supporters vowed to press on with nationwide mobilization to defend citizens' rights despite reported disruptions and security threats. The escalating rift underscores deep divisions in ODM over its potential cooperation with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, with Oburu's faction pushing for pragmatic engagement while the rebels accuse the leadership of compromising core principles.
