Oburu issues first warning to Sifuna after explosive TV interview
By Faith Lagat, February 6, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Odinga has cautioned Secretary General Edwin Sifuna against presenting personal opinions as official party policy, highlighting contradictions in his recent statements on coalition negotiations.
In a detailed statement issued on February 6, 2026, Oburu addressed public discourse following Sifuna’s interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
He said ODM is a democratic movement that accommodates debate and internal discourse, but expressed concern that Sifuna has occasionally struggled to distinguish between personal views and party policy as determined by constitutionally mandated organs.
“ODM policy is not shaped by individual preference; it is the product of structured deliberation through properly constituted party organs,” the statement read.
Legitimacy of party organs
While commending Sifuna for restating ODM’s ideological foundations, social democracy, equity, justice, devolution, constitutionalism, and inclusive governance, Oburu said the interview contained assertions that misled the public on the legitimacy of certain party organs and office holders.
He emphasised that all party officials, including Sifuna himself, hold their positions in line with the party constitution and resolutions of party organs. Oburu noted that Sifuna was elected Secretary General by the National Governing Council in February 2018 and served effectively until endorsed by the National Delegates Convention in February 2022.
“One cannot selectively invalidate the very processes that conferred legitimacy upon oneself,” the party leader stated.
Coalition strategy and party discipline
Oburu also highlighted contradictions in Sifuna’s position on pre-coalition negotiations.
He recalled that in July 2025, Sifuna had argued that ODM could not afford to wait until 2027 to deliberate on post-election strategy, yet in the recent interview he questioned the urgency of initiating discussions with potential pre-election partners.
“As a responsible political Party preparing to form the next government, we must plan ahead. Strategic engagement is not panic; it is prudence,” Oburu stressed.
He further noted concern over frequent references to other coalitions rather than ODM’s own, calling for such tendencies to be mitigated.
Reaffirming commitment to Raila “Baba” Odinga’s vision, Oburu said the party would continue engaging the government and stakeholders to advance the rights of Kenyans.
He announced plans for an inter-generational national conclave to strengthen the party and ensure representation across generations.
Oburu reiterated that ODM remains united and anchored in its founding values, welcoming debate but insisting it must be responsible and aligned with party discipline.
“No individual, however senior, is above the collective decisions of the Party,” he declared. He called on all members to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to building a just, inclusive, and democratic Kenya.