Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna has accused some veteran political and trade union leaders of stifling young politicians within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying they block internal growth and reform.

Speaking during a rally in Kisumu on Sunday, April 26, 2026, Sifuna singled out Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary-general Francis Atwoli and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, saying they represent elders who close doors instead of guiding younger leaders.

He made the remarks as divisions continue to deepen within ODM over leadership authority and the party’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sifuna said internal democracy in ODM was being weakened by a culture where influence is concentrated among a few senior figures, leaving younger leaders struggling to shape the party’s future.

Sifuna used the rally to defend Governor James Orengo, praising him for mentoring young leaders and standing by them during political pressure. He contrasted Orengo with what he described as elders who limit opportunities for younger politicians.

“Kwa niaba ya vijana wote ambao umetufunza siasa, kwa niaba ya vijana wote ambao umetulea, asante sana kwa kutushikilia mkono,” he said.

He added:

“Kuna wazee aina mbili, kuna wazee wanazeeka vizuri ambao wanaelekeza na kulea kizazi kipya cha viongozi, kama mzee hapa Mweshimiwa James Orengo. Alafu kuna wazee kama Atwoli, kama Oburu, kazi yao ni kufungia vijana mlango.”

Sifuna also spoke about his involvement in past political negotiations between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), referring to a deal he says he personally helped draft at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

He said the agreement was meant to address long-standing concerns over police brutality, especially in informal settlements in Kisumu, but claimed it was later undermined by political developments.

“Mliniona mimi Sifuna, pale KICC tukitengeneza mkataba na chama cha UDA. Hiyo mkataba nataka niwaambie leo vile Baba aliwaambia, mimi ndio niliandika hiyo hiyo mkataba,” he said.

“Naijua nje na ndani. Tuliandika kwenye hiyo mkataba, kwa sababu watu wa Kisumu ndio wamepigwa zaidi na polisi. Sisi tulikuwa tunaona polisi wakiingia kwa nyumba kule Nyalenda wakipiga mtu bila hatua yeyote. Wanampiga wanamuua. Tukasema ndani ya mkataba na chama ya UDA, lazima wale ambao walifanya hiyo vitendo waende njela. Na familia ambazo zilioadhirika zilipwe.”

He further claimed that the deal collapsed after continued incidents of police excesses, which he said included the case of Albert Ojwang, and that this led to deeper political disagreements within ODM.

Succession battle deepens

Sifuna said tensions within the party escalated after he took a firm position on the matter, adding that he later faced resistance from senior leaders. He linked his fallout to wider succession battles that intensified after the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“Siku ile walua Albert Ojwang ndio sifuna alitangaza kwamba huo mkataba hauna maana tena. Na ndio shinda zangu zilianzia, wakaenda wakanishtaki kwa Raila, Raila akawafukuza. Wakakaa wakangoja Baba yangu akufe. Siku ile Baba alikufa ndio nilijua chuma changu ki motoni,” he said.

Sifuna also claimed that there were internal efforts to restructure ODM leadership in a way that bypassed constitutional procedures and weakened the role of elected party organs. He insisted that the party’s constitution requires elections to determine leadership positions, warning against what he described as imposed succession arrangements.

“Chama cha ODM kiko na katiba inasema tuitishe uchaguzi. Mweshimiwa James Orengo ajitangaze aseme anasimama kwa kiti ya Party leader. Tukutane na huyo Oburu,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when ODM is facing open internal rivalry, with factions aligned to Siaya Governor James Orengo and others supporting the current leadership under Oburu Oginga. The contest has been amplified by the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been pushing for internal reforms and a leadership reset within the party.

The remarks are likely to intensify debate within ODM, where senior leaders have recently traded accusations over discipline, loyalty, and cooperation with the government. In recent weeks, Siaya Governor James Orengo has pushed for greater independence within the party, even calling on some leaders to return funds he claims were received from President William Ruto.

Oburu Oginga and his allies have, however, maintained that party structures must be respected and warned against what they term as indiscipline. The disagreement has exposed a widening rift that could shape ODM’s internal balance ahead of the next election cycle.

As the party continues to grapple with succession politics and ideological differences, Sifuna’s remarks reflect a growing push from younger leaders demanding more space in decision-making and a shift in how authority is exercised within ODM.