The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) appears to be facing growing internal divisions after some of its most vocal figures — Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi — skipped a high-profile delegates meeting held in Bondo, Siaya County.
The meeting, convened at the home of acting party leader Dr. Oburu Odinga, was meant to bring together ODM delegates from across Nyanza in a show of unity and strength.
However, the conspicuous absence of the three outspoken lawmakers quickly became the main talking point, exposing what analysts describe as deep ideological and strategic rifts within the party.
In recent months, Sifuna, Owino, and Amisi have emerged as key reformist voices within ODM, often challenging what they term as complacency and the party’s growing alignment with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Their critics, however, accuse them of undermining party cohesion and fueling division at a politically sensitive time.
Political observers note that their absence from the Bondo meeting could signal an emerging split between ODM leaders who favor continued partnership with the government and those pushing for a revived grassroots-driven opposition.
As ODM continues to define its post-handshake identity, these tensions between reformist firebrands and establishment loyalists may shape the party’s future — determining whether it remains a movement for change or evolves into a partner in governance.
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