The dispute, which played out on social media on December 23, 2025, reflects growing tensions within ODM as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.
In a post on X, Cherargei directly addressed Sifuna, stating,
In a post on X, Cherargei directly addressed Sifuna, stating,
“Your tenure as ODM Secretary-General is now a liability and a threat to the broad-based government going into the future. You must be removed so that you are free to join the disunited opposition.” Cherargei described Sifuna’s leadership as a danger to the stability and unity of the party, emphasizing that the internal disagreements must be resolved.
The attack came in response to Sifuna’s recent comments promoting grassroots decision-making within ODM.
The attack came in response to Sifuna’s recent comments promoting grassroots decision-making within ODM.
Sifuna had stressed that decisions regarding the party’s future, including strategies for the 2027 elections, should involve input from ordinary Kenyans rather than being determined by a few senior leaders.
He also highlighted the importance of prioritizing national development over personal gains, saying that leaders should not start with their own constituencies at the expense of national projects.
Sifuna remarked,
Sifuna remarked,
“When you get power, you start with yourself. Do I want the road to my village tarmacked? Yes. Is it a national priority to be elevated over, say, Bomas-Kiserian? No. In 2027, get rid of these dealers who think starting with themselves is the measure of leadership.”
The disagreement unfolded at a time when ODM leaders were also actively involved in supporting the family of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, who died in a tragic road accident along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway.
The disagreement unfolded at a time when ODM leaders were also actively involved in supporting the family of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, who died in a tragic road accident along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway.
ODM Party Leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga led a delegation to Jirongo’s home in Lumakanda, offering condolences and donations for funeral preparations.
Dressed in traditional attire with a whisk, reminiscent of his late brother Raila Odinga, Oburu handed over an undisclosed sum to the family.
Sifuna was part of the delegation, contributing Ksh100,000 along with an additional amount for youth attendees.
Sifuna was part of the delegation, contributing Ksh100,000 along with an additional amount for youth attendees.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ also contributed Ksh100,000, which was subdivided among those present.
The visit followed a prior fundraising trip led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who had donated livestock and vegetables to the family.
During the visit, Wanga humorously remarked, “Najua tumekuja na mboga, lakini lazima mboga ikulwe na ugali. Nataka kuwaambia hawa viongozi watoe ugali,” prompting additional monetary contributions from attending leaders.
The online spat between Cherargei and Sifuna underscores deeper questions about ODM’s internal dynamics and its role in Kenya’s broader government framework.
The online spat between Cherargei and Sifuna underscores deeper questions about ODM’s internal dynamics and its role in Kenya’s broader government framework.
