ODM NO LONGER AT EASE.

Tensions are simmering within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as internal divisions become more apparent, with Treasury Cabinet Secretary and former party chairman John Mbadi publicly criticizing Secretary General Edwin Sifuna over what he termed as divisive statements.

In an interview with a local TV , Mbadi called out Sifuna, urging him to respect the established party hierarchy and refrain from remarks that could undermine unity within ODM.

“Between the Party Leader and the Secretary General, whose decision is final?” Mbadi posed pointedly, emphasizing that Raila Odinga remains the ultimate authority within the party.

Mbadi went further to clarify that all Cabinet Secretaries from ODM who joined President William Ruto’s administration did so with Odinga’s full consent and only after thorough consultations.

“I’m glad he clarified those are his personal opinions,” Mbadi said in reference to Sifuna’s recent comments, which he insisted do not reflect ODM’s official position.

The Treasury CS also affirmed that the working relationship between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza government is expected to continue until the 2027 general elections. After that, he noted, Odinga will chart the party’s future course.

Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi Senator, has not shied away from acknowledging growing discontent and ideological confusion within the party. Speaking on Citizen TV’s , he admitted that ODM is struggling to maintain a unified voice.

“Right now, there is a lot of confusion,” Sifuna said. “I told my party leader that there was a time when it was easy to be the SG of ODM… You could wake me up at night and I would answer any question because we never compromised on values," he said on Tuesday night.

Sifuna lamented that the party now finds itself unable to articulate clear positions on fundamental issues such as constitutional rights, devolution, and civil liberties under Article 37. He attributed this to mixed messaging and the presence of ODM leaders in key government positions, which he said has led to widespread disillusionment among supporters.

“You see a member of ODM who used to hold a premier position, now serving as Cabinet Secretary, and it leaves our supporters very confused,” he noted.

In a candid moment, Sifuna issued an apology to ODM followers, expressing regret over the leadership’s failure to uphold ideological clarity and coherence.

“I want to apologise to members of ODM for all the confusion we as a leadership have caused, because it is very difficult right now to discern the position of ODM on major issues. And that is the biggest sadness—because it should be easy,” he said.

As ODM grapples with internal friction, the spotlight now turns to Raila Odinga to steer the party through its ideological crossroads and restore unity ahead of the next electoral cycle.