OBURU ODINGA HOLDS A CRUCIAL MEETING WITH EDWIN SIFUNA.

The two leaders met on Wednesday at Odinga's office in Nairobi, where they discussed ways to strengthen party unity and promote open dialogue among members.

Despite persistent calls from some quarters for Sifuna's removal—sparked by his outspoken criticism of the broad-based government arrangement that ODM is part of—Oburu praised the senator as a measured and principled figure whose dedication to democratic values remains highly valued within the party.

Oburu appeared to push back against efforts to silence or discipline the vocal Secretary General, underscoring the value of free speech and diverse viewpoints.

In a statement following the meeting, Oburu said:

“I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party, this morning. He remains a sober and principled voice, embodying the democratic ideals we believe in as a party.”

“As a leader, I believe we must encourage everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties, like ODM, grow through robust debate and unique challenges. That is where the progress and continuity of our party truly lie: in the hands of our young people,” he added.

Even as speculation swirls about internal divisions over the party’s political strategy and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, Oburu firmly dismissed notions of fracture, insisting the party remains solidly united.“We are one. We are united as the ODM Party,” he declared.

Throughout the discussion, both leaders reiterated the need for open and constructive debate, stressing that healthy disagreements should never be mistaken for disunity and that such conversations are essential for the party’s long-term strength and renewal.

On Tuesday, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch lodged a formal petition aimed at removing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and stripping him of all roles on parliamentary committees.

The petition leveled serious charges against Sifuna, including gross misconduct, acts of indiscipline, and accusations that he had deliberately undermined the party. Oketch specifically pointed to what he described as Sifuna’s “blatant and arrogant violation” of party regulations by maintaining close ties with opposing political outfits while holding the dual roles of ODM Secretary-General and official spokesperson.

He further alleged that Sifuna had publicly disregarded the party’s official resolution to join the broad-based government, in direct contravention of a written agreement that had received formal endorsement from ODM leadership.

The move sparked varied reactions across the country. However, in a swift turnaround, Senator Oketch decided to pull back the petition just hours after submitting it.

Through his legal team, Oketch formally notified the ODM Chairperson of the withdrawal in a letter dated Tuesday, January 6. The communication explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with the party’s senior leadership and was made out of deep respect for the enduring legacy of the late founding leader, Raila Odinga.

The withdrawal has temporarily eased the pressure on Sifuna, who continues to serve in his party roles amid ongoing internal debates within ODM.