Divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over the secretary general position have intensified after the outfit’s leader, Oburu Oginga, publicly endorsed Busia Women Representative Catherine Omanyo to run the party’s secretariat, even as a legal dispute with Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna continues.

Speaking during a meeting at the party headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, ahead of the 10-point agenda review, Oburu praised Omanyo’s leadership and urged her to remain confident despite criticism from sections of the party questioning her authority, adding that she should stay focused on strengthening the party’s structures and ignore ongoing claims that she is only serving in an acting capacity.

“I am so impressed and inspired by your speech. You should be confident because you are our SG. Ignore all other processes going on, people saying you are acting. As far as we are concerned, we gave you the power to work as our SG,” he said.

Oburu also appeared to question Sifuna’s continued claim to the office, arguing that the Nairobi senator has been absent from key party engagements.

“The other one, if he is SG, where is he? This is the party leader’s office. Where is he?” he posed.

He cited recent party meetings that Sifuna did not attend.

“Recently, we held a National Executive Council meeting. Did you see him? He did not even send an apology,” he stated.

Oburu urged Omanyo to remain focused despite attacks from critics within the party ranks.

“Those abusing you are just giving you strength,” he said.

Friction in ODM

The remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with an internal leadership dispute that has exposed divisions within the party.

The row escalated after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved on February 11, 2026, to remove Sifuna as secretary general over what party officials described as disciplinary issues.

However, Sifuna challenged the decision at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), which issued temporary orders halting the implementation of the resolution.

The tribunal later extended the order until March 12, 2026, effectively allowing Sifuna to remain in office pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The dispute has sparked debate within ODM, with some members questioning the procedure used to push for Sifuna’s removal.

His supporters argue that such a move should only be sanctioned through a properly convened National Delegates Convention (NDC) or broader consultations within party structures.

Amid the simmering tensions, the party has announced plans to hold a Special Delegates Convention on March 27, 2026,  in Nairobi to address internal matters.

In a notice issued in her capacity as deputy secretary general, Omanyo said the meeting would be convened in line with the party constitution as the party seeks to resolve the leadership standoff and restore internal cohesion.