By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, January 5 2026 - A group of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislators has appealed for restraint among senior party leaders, warning that public quarrels risk deepening divisions and eroding the party’s standing ahead of the 2027 elections.
The seven MPs, largely drawn from the Luo Nyanza region, on Monday called on ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to end their public exchanges and resolve differences internally. They cautioned that the spectacle of infighting was damaging a party that has long prided itself on unity and discipline.
“Given the positions of trust bestowed on them, we urge the party officials like Senator Edwin Sifuna and Junet Mohamed to desist from public verbal slurs and return to the table for internal discussions,” the MPs said during a press conference at Parliament.
Led by Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, the legislators warned that ODM was at risk of “self-cannibalisation”, a trend they said was weakening the party and creating space for smaller rivals to encroach on its traditional support base. They urged the party’s leadership to act swiftly to stem the fallout.
“We encourage the Party Leader to call for an internal ‘spitting session’ to avoid the ongoing mud-fest,” they said, adding: “It is for this reason that we request our party leader, Dr Oburu Odinga, to move with speed, convene the party’s organs and help restore public confidence in the party, before we begin to haemorrhage members to insignificant political formations.”
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The MPs linked the growing tensions to the absence of ODM’s founding leader, Raila Odinga, who died two months ago, saying his steadying influence was deeply missed. “It is a testament to how much we miss the wisdom and iconic leadership of our departed Rt Hon Raila Odinga, that divisive rhetoric has taken over our politics, without restraint,” they said.
Beyond internal disputes, the lawmakers raised alarm over rising political intolerance and violence, warning of dire consequences if the trend persists. They cited the recent attack on Lamu Woman Representative Muthoni Marubu in Murang’a, alleged threats involving Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and deadly clashes during the Kasipul by-elections.
“Unless urgent action is taken to stem these emerging and unfortunate incidents, 2027 will be rocked by untold violence that is likely to undermine free and fair elections,” they warned.
The leaders also dismissed claims that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta was fuelling ODM’s internal wrangles. “It is very easy to point fingers, but the issue requires us to look inwards,” Millie Odhiambo said, urging the party to refocus on unity and its founding ideals.
