Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has called for Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga’s intervention after the party’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna was spotted meeting with a section of rebel leaders from the party for a tête-à-tête.

The senator, who recently withdrew an ouster motion against Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General, shared a statement on his social media on Thursday, January 8, 2025, urging the party leader to convene a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to resolve the matter once and for all.

“”Party leader”, please call the NDC. we sort this once and for all,” Eddy Oketch said

This comes after Edwin Sifuna, whose stay in ODM leadership seems uncertain, held talks with a section of leaders during the day, a majority of whom appeared dissatisfied with the path the party is taking in the run-up to the 2027 General Elections.

The most notable leader present was Siaya Governor James Orengo, who has recently been very vocal in opposition to the direction ODM is taking, calling the top leadership cowards.

He also accused the current leadership of trying to “sell the party” to President William Ruto, claiming to have credible evidence and daring to produce it when challenged. He further stated that ODM, without him, Sifuna, and Ososti, is not ODM.

Babu Owino ODM takeover

Another notable leader present during the meeting was Babu Owino, whose message after the meeting gave it significant weight. Babu stated that there is a need for the urgent convening of the NDC, saying that it is time to take over the leadership of the Orange Party.

He further argued that after the exit of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, it is his turn to take over the helm of the party, and without his leadership, ODM will continue to experience chaos.

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga was also present during the Sifuna-led talks. She has, for the recent past, opposed the party’s move not to field a presidential candidate in 2027, arguing that ODM must produce a candidate. She added that if none among the top leadership has the courage to vie for the presidency, it should be left to her to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Elections.

Sifuna’s reaction

Edwin Sifuna, for his part, took to his social media handles, though cautiously with details of the meeting, stating that the forum he appeared to lead was just the beginning and that more similar forums will be held in the future.

Other leaders present included Millie Odhiambo, who has been largely silent recently but seems aligned with the broad-based government; nominated Senator Catherine Muma; former Busia Senator Amos Wako; MP Turkana South; Senator Crystal Asige; Hon. Millie Odhiambo; Hon. Ruth Odinga; Hon. Babu Owino; Hon. Peter Imwatok; Hon. Reuben Ndolo; Hon. Amos Wako; Edwin Ngonga; and John Andiwo.

According to Eddy Oketch, who supports the party being part of the broad-based government and backing President William Ruto in 2027, the meeting was not an ordinary one. He called on Oburu Odinga to intervene and restore order in the Orange Party.