Inside Politics

Simba Arati reveals plans to reach out and reconcile ODM rebels

Saturday 17th January, 2026 05:38 PM| By Luke Oluoch

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has addressed the ongoing internal rifts within the party, stating that he has initiated discussions aimed at reconciling members who hold differing ideological views.

Speaking in Busia County on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Arati revealed that his outreach mission will target the supposed rebels, such as embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and the youthful faction comprising Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, among others

Reaching out to rebels

“Do not worry about the two or three members who are speaking a different tune. We agree we have freedom of speech, but they have to accept the party leadership.”

“I will call them, and we will sit down with them, from (Edwin) Sifuna to our Vihiga Senator, who has no problems. He only missed this event because he is on other travels. We will also call and reach out to the youthful leaders such as Babu Owino,” he stated.

ODM’s Unity

The Kisii Governor also allayed fears of ODM disintegrating as he expressed optimism that the party will soon pass the challenging phase.

ODM party leader Oburu Odinga arriving in Busia for Linda ground meeting on sartuday, january 17, 2025. PHOTO//@DrOburu_O/X

“Our party will stand, and we will emerge victorious. We have fought many battles, and we will also emerge as the winners in the 2027 elections,” he added.

His remarks come days after party leader Oburu Oginga also held out an olive branch to the feuding factions within the members.

Calls for unity

Speaking on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Oburu stated that despite the ongoing wrangles, which he attributed to ideological differences, the party was not contemplating chasing away any official.

“Sisi hatuna nia ya kufukuza mtu kwa chama. Mtu akitaka kutoka kwa chama aondoke mwenyewe. Lakini sisi tunataka tuimarishe chama chetu. Tukiwa pamoja ndio tutakuwa na nguvu na kujadiliana tukiwa na nguvu,” Oburu stated during the rally.

The veteran leader followed up his reconciliatory remarks with appeals for members to desist from what he described as sideshows and join hands in uniting the party.

“We are not going to be distracted by sideshows. Those engaging in sideshows, I ask them to return to the party and to their people. I will not name any individuals, but I ask them to return to the party,” Oburu stated during Saturday’s rally in the party’s Linda Ground tour in Malaba