Mbadi Demands Sifuna’s Expulsion From ODM

Senior leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are openly divided after former party chairperson and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi called for the removal of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Speaking at a fundraising event in Homa Bay County, Mr Mbadi accused the Nairobi senator of undermining party leadership and pursuing interests that he said conflicted with ODM’s collective direction. He claimed Mr Sifuna had weakened the authority of party leader Oburu Oginga and argued that his exit would not affect ODM’s operations, noting that several administrative responsibilities had already been transferred to party trustees. 

Mr Mbadi told supporters that the party could not retain leaders he viewed as disloyal. A section of the party leadership supports continued cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, citing a resolution adopted earlier this year by the Central Management Committee. Mr Sifuna and his allies have rejected this position, maintaining that ODM should not align itself with the ruling United Democratic Alliance.

The disagreement has been visible on the ground. Mr Sifuna recently led a political campaign in Busia under the Linda Wananchi banner, presenting it as an alternative to the Linda Ground initiative promoted by other ODM figures who favour engagement with the government.

These disputes come amid broader uncertainty about ODM’s future following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga. Party members have offered differing accounts of Mr Odinga’s final advice, with some asserting that he supported cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration, while others insist he favoured an independent opposition path.

Mr Mbadi warned that firm disciplinary action was necessary to maintain unity, recalling previous measures taken against former secretary general Ababu Namwamba. He stressed the importance of loyalty to Oburu Oginga, arguing that he should be accorded the same respect previously given to his younger brother.

At the same event, Mr Mbadi confirmed his intention to run for the presidency in 2032, after President Ruto completes his second term. He received endorsements from local Members of Parliament, some of whom proposed Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago as a potential running mate.