ODM Rift Widens as Party Insiders Warn of Imminent Breakup

 

 Internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have deepened, with fresh cracks emerging among top party leaders, prompting concerns about the party’s unity and future direction.

The public fallout between Makadara MP George Aladwa and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who also serves as the ODM Secretary-General, has escalated tensions. Aladwa has accused Sifuna of sidelining grassroots voices and running party affairs with “disrespect and arrogance.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino declared earlier this week that he does not need ODM’s endorsement to contest the Nairobi governorship in 2027, signaling open defiance against party leadership.

Meanwhile, Hon. John Mbadi, a veteran party figure, has publicly criticized Sifuna’s approach to leadership, warning that ODM risks alienating loyal members and losing its national appeal.

Former Nambale parliamentary aspirant Kenneth Okwara has now weighed in, warning that ODM is at risk of a full-scale disintegration if internal disputes are not urgently addressed.

“ODM is at war with itself. The public disagreements, the competing ambitions, and the growing lack of ideological clarity are pushing the party to the brink,” Okwara told reporters.

“It’s no longer a question of if, but when the centre will stop holding.”

He added that ODM, once the dominant political force in Western Kenya, is quickly losing ground as internal battles overshadow its traditional reformist message.

Compounding the situation are recent remarks by some Cabinet Secretaries aligned with the party, who have hinted that ODM may work with Kenya Kwanza beyond 2027 — a suggestion that has sparked backlash from sections of the party opposed to any alliance with President William Ruto’s administration.

“Many party members are refusing to board that bus,” Okwara said. “There’s a real sense of betrayal among the grassroots, especially if ODM aligns with the very government it has consistently opposed.”

Analysts say the internal wrangles are likely to worsen as the 2027 general election approaches, with competing factions already positioning themselves for control of key party structures.

In the meantime, rival parties — particularly UDA — are said to be closely monitoring the situation, seeing opportunity in the turmoil.

“UDA is smiling,” Okwara said. “They stand to harvest from the chaos if ODM does not put its house in order.”