KILIFI County, Jan 12, 2026 – Senator Oburu Oginga chaired the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting in Vipingo, Kilifi County, on Monday, stressing that active membership engagement will shape the party’s future.
The meeting comes amid intensified internal wrangles, following Oburu’s public challenge to critics questioning his leadership. Speaking in Siaya County last week, Oburu urged dissenting members to contest his position at the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC).
“Those who are saying that Oburu was not validly elected, I challenge them to go together with me to the NDC if that is what they want. I will call the NDC very soon. I challenge them to come. I do not fear anyone,” he said.
At the Vipingo meeting, Oburu reiterated ODM’s commitment to internal consultation, unity, and principled leadership. He emphasized that the party will continue listening to members and the public as it charts policies and strategic direction.
Oburu defended ODM’s engagement with President William Ruto’s government, describing it as a strategy to secure political and development gains for party supporters. He highlighted his role in negotiations that led to senior ODM figures’ Cabinet appointments, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Treasury CS John Mbadi, and Hassan Joho, in charge of the Mining docket.
The meeting also followed recent attempts to remove ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. Oburu hosted Sifuna at his Nairobi office after Migori Senator Eddy Oketch withdrew a petition seeking the official’s removal. Oburu praised Sifuna as a “sober and principled voice” and urged members to embrace freedom of expression and dialogue.
“Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties, like ODM, grow through robust debate and unique challenges,” he said, vowing to rely on internal dispute resolution mechanisms rather than punitive measures.
Meanwhile, Ida Odinga, widow of ODM founding leader the late Raila Odinga, called on wrangling factions to embrace dialogue to avert a potential split. Speaking to Nairobi parliamentarians on January 2, she urged leaders to honour her late husband’s vision of ODM as a people-centred party.
“I am sure Baba would tell us, let us sit down and talk. That is my wish- to sit down and talk about our differences,” she said, warning that current disputes risk tarnishing 20 years of party history.
ODM remains divided over whether to continue supporting President Ruto’s administration or focus on preparations for the 2027 General Election. One faction, led by MPs Babu Owino and Sifuna, advocates exiting government to chart a new leadership path, with Owino signalling his intent to seek a senior party position.
The opposing faction, aligned with Oburu Oginga, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and several Luo Nyanza leaders, supports continued negotiations with Ruto to secure a mega-coalition and maximise ODM representation in a post-2027 political landscape.
Recent disputes have included campaign fund management during the 2022 elections, leadership succession, and party discipline.
The Vipingo meeting is widely seen as an effort by Oburu and the CMC to consolidate cohesion, elevate member voices, and define a strategic roadmap amid rising tensions and competing visions for the party’s future.
