Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has sharply responded to Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata after the latter criticised efforts within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to discipline or push out party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Kang’ata, while appearing in an interview with a local TV station on the night of Sunday, May 3, 2026, had described the internal party approach as a tactical misstep, arguing that confrontational handling of dissent risks strengthening rather than weakening political figures, especially at a time when political alignments are beginning to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The governor suggested that ODM should have exercised restraint and pursued internal conflict resolution mechanisms instead of escalating tensions through disciplinary actions.

He further pointed to Sifuna’s growing political visibility, arguing that such confrontations often elevate the profile of leaders rather than diminish it in the public eye.

Alai fires back

However, Alai has dismissed Kang’ata’s remarks, questioning his credibility in commenting on ODM internal affairs and accusing him of holding hostile political intentions toward the party.

“When did Kang’ata wish ODM well that his goodwill message to ODM should be seriously considered?” Alai posed.

He further claimed that Kang’ata’s political trajectory has been shaped by opposition to ODM rather than support for it.

“His gain has been on the belief and hope that ODM and its supporters perish,” Alai said in a statement shared via his official X account on Monday, May 4, 2026.

ODM wrangles

ODM has, in recent months, faced increased internal debate over leadership discipline, succession politics, and party direction after its founding leader, Raila Odinga, died.

The Orange Party’s leaders are currently retreating in Mombasa to solve the internal wrangles and chart the party’s future.

However, Alai has also criticised the ongoing bonding meeting, terming the approach ineffective in addressing the party’s emerging internal challenges.

In a statement shared via his official X account on Monday, May 4, 2026, Alai argued that the retreat-style engagement does not adequately respond to the issues currently facing the party, suggesting that a different strategy is needed to resolve internal tensions.

“The ODM bonding meeting in Mombasa is a wrong strategy for solving emerging issues,” Alai stated.