Boyd Were issues stark warning to Sifuna over ODM Party loyalty
By Faith Lagat, January 4, 2026Kasipul Member of Parliament Boyd Were has intensified pressure on Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, calling on him to fully align with the party’s current leadership and direction.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) continues to grapple with deepening internal divisions as youth leaders demand adherence to party protocols. On January 4, 2026, the Kasipul MP, shared a video message on X, echoing demands for Sifuna to follow the party line.
The message stated that Sifuna must respect the party’s heritage established by the late Raila Odinga and its current leader, Oburu Oginga. It warned that young ODM members would enforce compliance if necessary, emphasising that the party’s goals would proceed regardless of individual positions.
“Mr Sifuna will toe the party line, or we, the young people of ODM, shall make him. You will not joke with the heritage Baba left us. We shall achieve our liberation, with or without you. You will respect our party and its Party Leader, Dr Oburu Oginga,” Boyd Were X post
Youth leaders demand accountability
This development follows similar calls from ODM youth league leader Kasmuel McOure, who on the same day declared Sifuna’s tenure as Secretary General limited. McOure referred to Sifuna as the “outgoing” SG, asserting that the party does not depend on him and that his departure would not significantly impact ODM.
He criticised Sifuna’s appointment as non-elective and based on affirmative action, claiming the same applied to his 2022 Nairobi senatorial win. McOure further accused Sifuna of neglecting oversight duties in Nairobi County, such as addressing issues like building collapses, while focusing on internal party attacks and derogatory remarks toward colleagues. He challenged Sifuna to demonstrate that such conduct reflects official party policy.
McOure stressed that the SG’s role requires articulating party positions, not personal views.
Issuing a 30-day ultimatum, McOure demanded that ODM’s top leadership initiate disciplinary proceedings against Sifuna for alleged internal sabotage. He vowed that, if party organs hesitate, youth members would lead efforts to remove him.
Sifuna remarks fuel tensions
The tensions escalated after Sifuna’s remarks on January 3, 2026, at a burial in Murang’a County, where he accused Suna East MP Junet Mohamed of mismanaging 2022 Azimio campaign funds provided by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Sifuna claimed the funds were not fully remitted to the party, with portions allegedly diverted, leading to unpaid agents and contributing to Raila Odinga’s electoral defeat. He called for a comprehensive audit of the 2022 expenditures.
Sifuna also reiterated that Raila Odinga never instructed ODM to support President William Ruto in 2027, countering claims from other party figures.
The rift highlights broader factions within ODM: one favoring continued cooperation with the government under the broad-based arrangement, and another, including Sifuna, opposing alignment with President Ruto ahead of 2027 elections.
Party leader Oburu Oginga has indicated that ODM will decide its 2027 strategy by the end of 2026, potentially fielding a candidate or forming coalitions.