On Sunday, the rift burst into the open. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s faction announced it will field its own presidential candidate in 2027, honoring what they say was the late Raila Odinga’s wish for ODM to stand strong and independent.
Sifuna’s message was clear: “We want to be on the presidential ballot in 2027.
Since others can wait for 2032, we ask for your support now.”
But not everyone agrees. Oburu Oginga, Raila’s brother, leads a rival camp pledging loyalty to President William Ruto and the broad-based government arrangement set before Raila’s passing.
“As ODM, we will work in the broad-based government until 2027 to support President Ruto,” Oburu declared.
This internal battle has sparked heated debate among party members and political analysts.
Some fear the split will weaken ODM’s influence and unity, while others see it as a sign of healthy debate in a maturing democracy.
Allegations are swirling that President Ruto and his allies may be exploiting these divisions to undermine ODM’s national reach.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, ODM’s future hangs in the balance. Will the party unite behind a single vision, or will these divisions reshape Kenya’s political landscape?
