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Edwin Sifuna during the Linda Mwananchi People's NDC.
Politics

Sifuna Sends Blunt Message to Oburu After ODM Holds Parallel NDC’s

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has delivered a blunt and defiant message to newly ratified ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga, dramatically escalating tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following a day of rival conventions in Nairobi.

Speaking amid the fallout of parallel National Delegates Conventions (NDCs) held by competing factions, Sifuna dismissed the legitimacy of Oburu’s leadership and firmly ruled out serving under him.

“Mnataka kuniambia naweza kuwa Katibu Mkuu wa ODM miaka nane and then I become the SG of mediocrity? Oburu tafuta SG wako. Mimi siwezi kuwa SG wa Oburu,” Sifuna declared.

The sharp remarks came after two rival ODM gatherings exposed the depth of divisions within the party.

One faction, aligned with Oburu, held an official Special Delegates Convention at Jamhuri Showground, where he was ratified as party leader.

Meanwhile, the rival “Linda Mwananchi” faction associated with Sifuna convened a parallel meeting dubbed the “People’s NDC” at Ufungamano House, though the event faced a heavy police blockade, but the meeting went on after the attendants defied the police.

The standoff underscored a party increasingly split between those backing the current leadership direction and those pushing for an alternative path.

By branding the new arrangement as “mediocrity,” the senator signaled a hardening stance that could further complicate reconciliation efforts within the party.

His message also puts into question the cohesion of ODM’s top leadership, with the possibility of a prolonged internal standoff now looming large.

Although the Oburu-led faction ratified the leadership positions of party leader, deputy party leaders, and national chairperson, the SG position was not touched.

At the heart of the dispute is a broader ideological divide over ODM’s political positioning, especially its cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the broad-based government framework.

The Sifuna-led faction has consistently opposed the arrangement, arguing that it dilutes the party’s role as a watchdog and undermines its support base.

In contrast, the Oburu-aligned wing has backed the cooperation, framing it as a strategic move in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

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Politics

Shodown Looms as Police Block Sifuna’s Ufungamano House meeting

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Tension gripped Nairobi’s political scene Friday morning after a heavy police presence was deployed at Ufungamano House, effectively blocking access to a planned ODM parallel National Delegates Convention (NDC) organized by a faction allied to Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.

Security officers mounted roadblocks and restricted entry to the venue in what appeared to be a deliberate move to frustrate the meeting dubbed the “People’s NDC”.

A section of the police officers blocking access to Ufungamano House. PHOTO/Screengrab

The blocked gathering had been convened by the “Linda Mwananchi” faction, a rebel wing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has been at odds with the party’s mainstream leadership.

A section of the youth blocked by the police from accessing Ufungamano House. PHOTO/@ShikukuJay/X

The faction is protesting the ouster of Sifuna as ODM Secretary General and opposing the party’s cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the broad-based government arrangement.

Their parallel NDC was meant to counter the official National Special Delegates Convention (NSDC) being held at the Jamhuri Showground, led by the rival “Linda Ground” faction associated with Oburu Odinga.

Edwin Sifuna during a past Linda Mwananchi rally in Busia County. PHOTO/Ewdin Sifuna/X

Despite the police blockade, Jubilee Party Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge, a key ally of the Linda Mwananchi team, insisted the group would push ahead with its plans.

“Hata mfunge njia zote, bado tunakuja!” she declared in a post shared via her official X account.

In a move that has raised concerns over press freedom, journalists attempting to cover the event were also denied entry to Ufungamano House, with police maintaining tight control over the premises.

The developments set the stage for a dramatic political showdown, with two rival conventions, one sanctioned and one blocked, symbolizing the deep fractures within one of Kenya’s largest political parties.

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Babu Owino
Politics

Babu Owino Pushes to be ODM Party Leader Ahead of NDC

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has dismissed claims that he is seeking the position of Secretary General in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), instead declaring his ambition for a higher office within the party.

The lawmaker has maintained that he wants to be the ODM party leader, the position that is currently held by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.

Babu Owino argued that the Secretary General of ODM remains Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

“I want to be the Party Leader, not Secretary General. The Secretary General remains Edwin Sifuna,” Babu Owino stated, responding to a controversial notice that had circulated online and was purportedly published in the Daily Nation.

The notice, which announced a Special National Delegates Conference (NDC), listed among its agenda the endorsement of Babu Owino for the powerful Secretary General position—sparking widespread debate across political circles and social media.

However, the outspoken legislator was quick to distance himself from the claims, framing the move as both misleading and inconsistent with his political ambitions.

His firm response has since fueled speculation about a potential leadership contest within ODM.

ODM Dismisses Notice as Fake

Amid the growing buzz, ODM swiftly disowned the notice, terming it fraudulent and warning members against being misled.

In a strongly worded rebuttal shared via social media, the party outlined several inconsistencies that, in its view, expose the notice as fake:

  • The Party Leader does not sign notices convening National Delegates Conferences or similar meetings.
  • A meeting of such magnitude cannot legally be called on less than 21 days’ notice.
  • The Daily Nation has no record of publishing the alleged notice.

“FAKE on arrival,” ODM declared, shutting down the authenticity of the document.

Known for his bold political style and strong grassroots appeal, Babu Owino has increasingly positioned himself as a key voice among the party’s younger generation.

His latest remarks are likely to intensify internal discussions on the future of ODM leadership, especially as questions linger over the party’s direction in the coming years amid wrangles.

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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during his meeting with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga. PHOTO/The ODM party/X
Politics

Sifuna, Oburu Hold Crucial Unity Talks as ODM Moves to Contain Rising Internal Rifts

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Senator Oburu Oginga, on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, held a high-level meeting with the party’s Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, in a move seen as an attempt to steady the party amid growing internal tensions.

In a brief statement shared via X, ODM confirmed that Sifuna paid a courtesy call on Oburu at his Nairobi office, with discussions centring on party unity, cohesion, and the future growth of the movement.

“Secretary General Sen. Edwin Sifuna this morning called on Party Leader Sen. Oburu Oginga at his office in Nairobi. Their meeting centred on the unity and the growth of the party,” the party said.

Attempts to expel Sifuna

The meeting comes just a day after Migori Senator Eddy Oketch stepped back from a controversial motion seeking to de-whip and expel Sifuna from the ODM party, opting instead for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

In a letter dated January 6, 2026, Aguko, Osman & Company Advocates, acting on behalf of Senator Oketch, announced the withdrawal of a motion that had been filed just a day earlier on January 5. 

The lawmaker said the decision followed consultations with the party leader and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga.

The advocates cited the legacy of the party’s founding leader, the late Raila Odinga, as instrumental in the change of approach.

“Following wide consultations with the Party Leader, Senator Dr Oburu Oginga and with utmost respect to the spirit of the founding Party Leader the late Raila Amollo Odinga, who embraced dialogue even with his fiercest enemies as the most preferred method of dispute resolution, we have received further instructions from our client,” the letter stated.

Despite withdrawing the motion, the letter maintained that there were legitimate concerns about Nairobi Senator Sifuna’s conduct.

“Being cognizant of the breaches as outlined in our aforementioned letter and the offensive remarks made by Hon. Senator Edwin W. Sifuna both against the Party and its members,” the advocates wrote, Senator Oketch had been “persuaded to withdraw the Motion Letter dated January 5, 2026.”

Instead of pursuing expulsion, the party will now invoke Article 16(1)(g) of the ODM Constitution, which empowers the party leader to facilitate amicable dispute resolution through Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.

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Oburu Oginga
Politics

Oburu Oginga Declares Himself ODM’s Automatic Presidential Candidate If Party Goes Solo in 2027

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has declared that he will be the party’s presidential candidate should ODM opt to contest the 2027 General Election on its own, insisting the matter is already settled by the party’s constitution.

Speaking during a New Year address to Kenyans, Oburu said the ODM constitution is explicit that the party leader automatically becomes its presidential candidate if the party decides to go it alone.

“If we are going it alone, I want to make it absolutely clear that our constitution already has a presidential candidate for our party. That presidential candidate is clearly stated in the constitution of our party, and it is the party leader. I am the party leader speaking. I am the presidential candidate for ODM if ODM decides to go it alone,” Oburu said.

He warned party members against harbouring parallel presidential ambitions within ODM, stating that anyone seeking the presidency under a different arrangement should look elsewhere.

“Anybody who is preparing himself to go for the presidential election in ODM is misplaced. If they want to go for a presidential candidacy, they should look for another party. This particular party’s presidential candidacy is already decided by its own constitution.”

Oburu dismissed claims that ODM has been weakened or “sold” to other political formations, insisting the party remains strong, grassroots-based, and intact ahead of the 2027 polls. He described 2026 as a decisive year in which the party will make a final determination on whether to run independently or enter into a coalition.

“As we move forward, we are going to decide whether we go it alone or we go with other parties. If we decide to go it alone, we are there. Anybody who is saying ODM is sold to other parties is daydreaming. ODM is strong, it is kicking, it is up, and it is not about to be sold. It will never be sold. If it were to be sold, I do not know at what price,” he said.

He added that the party’s deep roots make it impossible to trade away.

“This party is too big to be sold to anybody. I do not know if there is anybody in Kenya who can afford the price of ODM. It would be too much, too expensive for them, because the party goes down to the grassroots, to the last person.”

Reflecting on 2025, Oburu described the year as one marked by both progress and loss. He paid tribute to the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga, describing him as both a national figure and his younger brother, and said the loss had profoundly affected the party and the country.

Despite the setback, Oburu said ODM had remained united and continued to make significant strides following Raila’s death.

He also clarified ODM’s current relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting that while the party is part of a broad-based arrangement with the government, it is not in a formal coalition.

“We are not fully integrated into the government. We are just in a broad-based arrangement, not even a coalition,” he said.

With the 2027 election cycle beginning to take shape, Oburu’s remarks are expected to intensify debate within ODM, party unity, and the strategic direction the party will take in the post-Raila era.

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A collage of Edwin Sifuna and Kasmuel McOure
Politics

Duplicitous Actors! Kasmuel Blames Sifuna for ODM’s Nairobi By-Election Humiliation

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

ODM youth firebrand Kasmuel McOure has launched a blistering attack on Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of presiding over a humiliating defeat for the party in the just-concluded Kariobangi North Ward by-election.

In a strongly worded statement, McOure celebrated ODM’s commanding victories across the country but singled out Nairobi as the party’s “only stain,” arguing that the capital’s loss was avoidable and directly attributable to what he termed “duplicitous actors” within the leadership.

According to McOure, ODM’s top brass, particularly leaders from the Coast and Nyanza regions, delivered emphatic wins in their respective strongholds.

He praised former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Governor Abdulswamad Nassir for the party’s victory in Magarini, saying the triumph was executed with “precision” and bolstered by the deliberate elevation of young mobilizers.

He also lauded ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga for steering the party to victory in Kasipul and Ugunja, crediting her for empowering young organizers, including university student networks.

But when it came to Nairobi, McOure said the party failed to clinch a single seat “that was well within our reach,” pointedly suggesting that Sifuna, whose political base includes Kariobangi North, did not deliver.

“It was a complicated ward, but not impossible,” McOure wrote. “I need not name the duplicitous actors responsible; we all know them. The ones who lie in wait as real leaders plan, organize, and execute, only to emerge at the eleventh hour and attempt to claim podiums they never helped construct.”

In what appeared to be a direct jab at Sifuna, McOure accused certain Nairobi leaders of resorting to intimidation, leveraging bodyguards and goons to silence young people who challenge them.

“Among us are leaders so easily replaceable that their absence would not cause the slightest political tremor,” he said. “Yet they presume to take us for fools.”

McOure insisted that ODM must continue investing in the youth wing, which he described as the party’s “most consequential engine,” and warned that complacency or internal sabotage would cost the party its strong national standing ahead of future elections.

Sifuna has not publicly responded to the accusations.

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Gladys Wanga and her deputy Oyugi Magwanga
Politics

Kasipul By-Election Drama: Gladys Wanga’s Deputy Defies ODM, Declares Support for Independent Aroko

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

A political storm is brewing in Homa Bay after Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga publicly broke ranks with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring his support for independent candidate Philip Aroko in the upcoming Kasipul parliamentary by-election.

Magwanga, who served as Kasipul Kabondo MP before becoming Governor Gladys Wanga’s deputy, said he decided on what he termed as “betrayal” by the ODM party during the nomination process.

Speaking during a community engagement in Kasipul, Magwanga accused ODM of conducting a flawed nomination exercise aimed at sidelining him and imposing a candidate he did not support.

“Magwanga has made the best step that he delayed to make because he has to make a choice on who is the best candidate for Kasipul,” Magwanga expressed his frustrations.

“He has not betrayed the ODM party; it is the ODM party that betrayed Magwanga because when we were going for the nomination of the ODM candidate, they decided to sidestep Magwanga and rig the election in favour of a candidate that Magwanga did not support.”

Boyd Were and Philip Aroko
Boyd Were and Philip Aroko

The ODM candidate in the race is Boyd Were, who secured the party ticket after a competitive nomination. However, the Deputy Governor insists that the process was manipulated, claiming that a transparent contest would have produced a different outcome that he would have willingly backed.

“If there was a free and fair nomination, I am very certain I would have supported that candidate,” he said.

“Magwanga is more ODM than Gladys Wanga, and I must tell you that the candidate I have chosen to support now is a member of the broad-based government.”

The move has triggered confusion among ODM supporters, particularly because it pits the deputy governor directly against the party-backed candidate despite his senior position within the Homa Bay County leadership.

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ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga
Politics

ODM Leader Raila Odinga is Dead

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80.

According to reports, the former prime minister died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India, during a morning walk. Reports further indicate that Raila died from a heart attack.

According to http://mathrubhumi.com, an Indian outlet, Raila collapsed during a morning walk on Wednesday at 8:30 am, within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility.

It was reported that CPR was administered by the medical team on-site. He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am Indian Time.

The news on the passing of Raila comes days after his elder brother Oburu Odinga confirmed that he was indeed sick and that he had been admitted for treatment in India.

Oburu’s confirmation came days after Raila’s Secretariat came out strongly to dismiss rumors about the health of the former Prime Minister, terming the claims “malicious misinformation” driven by political rivals.

In a hard-hitting statement released on Sunday, Odinga’s Communications Director Dennis Onyango accused a faction led by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, of orchestrating a coordinated disinformation campaign.

“The political formation of impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his struggling team of Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, among others, are on a familiar campaign of misinformation on the health of former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga,” Onyango stated.

He alleged that the group had co-opted sections of traditional media to amplify false reports originating from bloggers and even AI-generated images, portraying them as breaking news.

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ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga
Politics

Chaos Mars ODM Kasipul Primaries as Aspirant Storms Poll Centre With Goons

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has condemned acts of violence and disruption that delayed the start of its party primaries in Kasipul Constituency on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, where members are set to nominate a candidate for the November 27 by-election.

According to a statement issued by ODM’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) chairperson, Emily Awitta, the exercise was disrupted after aspirant Newton Ogada allegedly stormed the election materials distribution centre accompanied by goons.

The group is said to have threatened the Returning Officer and other election officials, stalling preparations.

“It has come to the attention of the party that the nomination exercise to elect the party candidate for the Kasipul Constituency in the November 27 by-election has not kicked off as scheduled. This has been occasioned by the violent invasion of the election materials’ distribution centre by one of the aspirants, a Mr. Newton Ogada who is alleged to have arrived with goons and started threatening the Returning Officer and other officials,” ODM stated.

The situation was further complicated by the arrival of Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, who is not a candidate in the contest. ODM said his presence contributed to unnecessary delays in an exercise that was scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m.

The party described the disruption as “barbaric and egregious,” noting that all aspirants had previously committed to peaceful conduct during a meeting in Nairobi last week.

“The process was further delayed by arrival of the Deputy Governor of Homabay County Hon. Oyugi Magwanga, who is not a candidate in the primaries. This unnecessary disruption has caused the delay in the exercise which was supposed to kick-off at 8:00am. This incident is not only barbaric but also egregious considering the commitment that the aspirants participating in the nomination exercise agreed to adhere to during a meeting held in Nairobi last Tuesday (16/09/2025),” the statement read.

ODM has now issued a stern warning to candidates against engaging in acts of violence, intimidation of election officials, or any conduct aimed at undermining the nomination process. The party said offenders risk facing disciplinary action, including possible disqualification from the primaries.

“We expect calmness, friendliness, and sobriety during the exercise, and this should be a warning to any candidate who is hell-bend to disrupt the exercise, issue threats to election officials, and cause unnecessary delays that stern disciplinary action will be taken against them, including being disqualified from the exercise,” ODM stated.

Despite the chaos, ODM assured its members and supporters in Kasipul that it remains committed to ensuring the nominations proceed peacefully and are concluded before the 5:00 p.m. deadline.

The by-election in Kasipul is set for November 27 following the seat’s declaration of vacancy after the then MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was assassinated.

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Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai
Politics

Robert Alai Faults ODM for Promoting Political Dynasties in Kasipul Polls

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Outspoken Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has sharply criticized the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for what he terms as the promotion of political dynasties in the ongoing party polls in Kasipul.

Taking to his official X account on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Alai warned that the growing trend of political parties fronting family members to replace their kin in leadership positions is undermining Kenya’s democracy and eroding the credibility of political institutions.

“As ODM members participate in the party polls in Kasipul, I must strongly oppose the growing trend in Kenya of political parties endorsing family members to inherit leadership seats whenever a vacancy arises. This practice is eroding the very soul of our democracy. We are creating a culture where leadership is reduced to bloodlines and entitlement rather than service, merit, and the will of the people. When Kenyans start believing that only certain families are “destined” to lead, we damage the national psyche, kill ambition among the youth, and entrench dynasties instead of democracy,” Alai warned.

Dangerous political pattern

The ODM legislator noted that the practice, witnessed in Kasipul and other parts of the country, is becoming a dangerous pattern that could weaken faith in political parties as vehicles of fairness, inclusivity, and ideas.

Alai cited recent cases in constituencies such as Malava, Bobasi, Kibwezi West, Kanduyi, and Matungu, where family members were quickly endorsed to succeed their relatives. According to him, this has created the impression that leadership in Kenya is reserved for a few families, sidelining ordinary citizens with vision and competence.

“We exacerbate the anger and bitterness of a generation when we allow such behavior. We have seen it recently in Kasipul, where a family member was quickly fronted to replace their kin. In Malava, the same story. The same has happened in Bobasi, Kibwezi West, Kanduyi, and Matungu in the recent past. These are not isolated cases; they form a dangerous pattern. Who will have faith in political parties as institutions of ideas, fairness, and inclusivity? This practice makes political parties in Kenya vehicles of entitlement and private inheritance. Our democracy cannot grow if parties behave like family fiefdoms,” he stated.

Alai, a first-term MCA known for his bold views, urged ODM to lead by example in strengthening internal democracy, warning that any party that turns into a family fiefdom risks losing public trust.

“We must say no. Leadership should be about vision, competence, and commitment to service, not about who you are related to. Kenya’s democracy deserves better,” Alai stated.

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Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya when he graced the homecoming ceremony of Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera. PHOTO/@DrOparanya/X
Politics

Wetang’ula Poaches Kakamega ODM Bigwigs as Revolt Brews Against Barasa: Is ODM Losing Western?

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The political ground in Kakamega appears to be shifting, with Ford Kenya party leader and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula hosting a high-powered delegation of ODM leaders at the home of Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala in Eshibuli, Kakamega County, on Friday, September 19, 2025.

In attendance were a number of ODM lawmakers, including Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka Wangaya, and Shinyalu MP Bernard Shinali.

Also present was the Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary and former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who doubles as ODM Deputy Party Leader.

The rare political gathering has sparked speculation of an imminent defection by Kakamega ODM leaders to Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya, signalling deepening cracks within ODM’s Western Kenya base.

The move comes just days after Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa was declared the new chairperson of the ODM Kakamega County branch, defeating Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.

The declaration immediately ignited controversy, with Oparanya and Muhanda dismissing the outcome.

In a dramatic show of defiance, the two leaders held a homecoming event for Nabwera, declaring him the “real winner” of the Kakamega ODM chairmanship polls.

By rallying behind Wetang’ula, a seasoned political kingpin in Western, the disgruntled ODM leaders appear to be sending a powerful signal to ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga.

Wetang’ula, who successfully delivered a bloc of Western votes to President William Ruto in 2022 under the Kenya Kwanza coalition, is now positioning Ford Kenya as the natural political home for disillusioned ODM leaders in the region.

If the defections materialise, they could reshape Western Kenya’s political arithmetic ahead of 2027, undermining Raila Odinga’s influence while strengthening Wetang’ula’s bargaining power within Kenya Kwanza.

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Raila Odinga
Politics

ODM Threatens to Withdraw From UDA Deal Over Albert Ojwang’s Death

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has threatened to withdraw from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), over the death of 31-year-old teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang.

Speaking on the floor of the senate on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi said that the Orange party had agreed with UDA that abductions and killings were not going to be witnessed in the country again.

Osotsi argued that if the ODM do not get proper answers from the UDA government on the killing of Ojwang, they will consider it as a breach of the MoU they have with UDA.

“We signed an MOU with UDA and agreed that we are not going to have abductions and killings like this one. If we do not get proper answers from the UDA government, we will consider this as a breach of the MOU we have with UDA,” Osotsi said.

Osotsi’s remarks come hours after ODM leader Raila Odinga broke his silence over the death of Ojwang, with demands to the government. 

In a statement on Tuesday, June 10, Raila expressed concern over the growing list of young Kenyans who have lost their lives in unclear circumstances.

Ojwang was confirmed dead on Sunday, June 8, just hours after he was picked up from his native home in Homa Bay County and locked up at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.

His death has sparked nationwide outrage, with police coming under fire, particularly because of the inconsistencies in their accounts of how Ojwang died.

Raila condemned the killing, as he demanded a speedy conclusion to investigations into the death of Ojwang, which was shrouded in mystery up until Tuesday. 

“When citizens can no longer tell the difference between the two forms of injustice—police injustice and mob injustice—we are staring at the reality of failure as a nation,” the former prime minister added.

“A speedy and credible closure to this latest incident of injustice in the hands of the police, alongside the many others that we have been pursuing since 2023, is not optional.”

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ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna signing a condolences book for Pope Francis at Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi. PHOTO/@edwinsifuna/X
Politics

Edwin Sifuna Skips ODM-UDA meeting at Chungwa House

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on Friday, April 25, 2025, skipped a meeting between the Orange party and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

ODM hosted the UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar at Chungwa House for what the Orange party says was a discussion on various matters of national and mutual interest, including the NADCO report and the recently signed MoU between the two parties.

Omar was hosted by ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen.

ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen pose for a photo with UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar at Chungwa House. PHOTO/@TheODMparty/X

ODM, in a statement shared via social media, says the two parties agreed to have the pertinent issues raised by Kenyans resolved and ensure that the ten points highlighted in the MoU document are implemented to the later to avoid a backlash and mistrust by Kenyans.

“Executive Dir. @ongwen this morning hosted the @UDAKenya Sec. Gen. @HassanOmarH at Chungwa Hse for a discussion on various matters of national and mutual interest, including the NADCO report and the recently signed MoU between the two parties on 7/3/2025 and witnessed by Pres. @WilliamsRuto and Party Leader @RailaOdinga. They agreed to have the pertinent issues raised by Kenyans resolved and ensure that the ten points highlighted in the document are implemented to the later to avoid a backlash and mistrust by Kenyans,” ODM stated.

Edwin Sifuna absent

Sifuna, who is a signatory to the MoU signed between the ruling party and ODM, was absent during the Friday meeting.

The Nairobi County Senator attended the requiem mass for the late Pope Francis at Holy Family Basilica instead.

“Mass for the late Pope Francis at Holy Family Basilica this morning. We continue to Pray for his Holiness to rest in Peace,” Sifuna wrote on X.

Sifuna-ODM fallout

There have been speculations of a fallout between Sifuna and the ODM party. Allies of the Orange party leader Raila Odinga have on several occasions called out Sifuna over his stance on some of the issues affecting the country and his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.

During the signing of the deal between UDA and ODM, Sifuna made it clear that the Orange party would walk out of the agreement should the Kenya Kwanza administration go against any of the listed 10 points in the MoU.

On April 12, 2025, President Ruto clashed with Sifuna during the burial of Raila’s long-serving aide George Oduor and threatened to convene an ODM founding members meeting and take disciplinary action against the Nairobi Senator, should he continue criticising him.

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Raila Odinga hits out at William Ruto
Politics

Raila Hits Out at Ruto, Issues Fresh Demands Days After Signing Deal

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Just days after Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga entered into a deal with President William Ruto, he has issued fresh demands.

Raila on Tuesday, March 11, hit out at Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration for what he argued was failing to resolve several issues affecting Kenyans.

Speaking during a funeral service in Kiambu County, Raila faulted Ruto for poor governance, failing to address the challenges in the Social Health Authority (SHA), and imposing high taxes on Kenyans, including the Housing Levy, which he now says the head of state must address.

“I have told Ruto that SHA has a problem; it must be corrected. The taxes being imposed on Kenyans are also high, especially one on the houses,” he said.

Raila on deal with Ruto

Raila also dismissed claims that he has abandoned Kenyans to join and support Ruto.

According to him, he never approached the head of state for a deal, and that his stance remains the same.

The 2022 Azimio presidential flag bearer says it is Ruto who approached him.

“I have heard people saying that I have joined President William Ruto. I want to say that I never approached Ruto; it was Ruto who approached me. My stand remains the same,” Raila said.

Raila went ahead to claim that the Kenya Kwanza administration has developed a cold feet, prompting them to approach him for support.

According to Raila, the 10 point-agenda in the deal signed between him and Ruto is just a chance for the Kenya Kwanza administration to redeem themselves, by fulfilling the issues raised in the joint working framework agreement.

“These guys have caught cold feet and come to us, that’s why I’ve given them the ten agendas you saw. Those are the things we were always asking for and they’ve said they will fulfill them. We will give them an opportunity to work on those things,” Raila said.

ODM-UDA deal

On Friday, March 7, 2025, President Ruto and Raila signed a joint working framework agreement aimed at establishing collaboration between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in government.

The agreement, titled “Understanding to Resolve the Social and Political Challenges Facing Kenyans,” seeks to address ten key issues affecting the Kenyan population.

This pact aims to expedite the full implementation of the NADCO report, promote inclusivity in public life, strengthen devolution, protect the livelihoods of young people, uphold leadership and integrity, safeguard the right to peaceful assembly and protest, tackle the national debt, combat corruption, eliminate public resource wastage, enhance government efficiency, and protect the sovereignty of the people, the rule of law, and constitutionalism.

However, the pact has attracted criticism from a section of Kenyans and leaders, some of whom have viewed it as a betrayal.

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Politics

Violence Rocks Kisii As Ruto, Raila Supporters Clash, Many Injured

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Deputy President William Ruto’s tour of Kisii County on Sunday October 4, 2021 turned chaotic after his supporters clashed with those of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Several people were injured after youths wearing ODM T-shirts clashed with Ruto’s supporters at Suneka, in Bonchari Constituency in Kisii.

The groups attacked each other with clubs and stones as DP Ruto approached Suneka junction to address the crowd.

The crowd donning ODM t-shirts heckled Ruto which caused supporters to clash with them in a fracas that lasted for minutes.

Less than five metres away, laid a man, helpless on the ground after being hit with a club on the head. Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi’s aides rushed him to hospital.

May be an image of 2 people, people standing and outdoors

Later, the DP headed to Mama Teresa home, a widow to the late former Bonchari MP Oroo Oyiako.

On his way back, another violence ensued causing a state of conodrum and panic while Ruto was preparing to address a crowd.

Residents scampered for safety and only returned after calm was restored when Ruto started his address. He condemned the act saying that it is not good for local leaders to pay youths to cause violence.

“I am calling on youths not to accept to be used to fight their colleagues. “You deserve a job and a business, not to be used as hooligans,” said Ruto.

He added that the money set aside for development should be used appropriately and not to pay for chaos.

He earlier on told off his critics for not taking serious his role in shaping Jubilee and development projects before falling out with his boss Uhuru Kenyatta.

He took credit for most development projects in Kisii saying that he took a big part in ensuring their implementation.

Ruto said he initiated the construction of over 3000 kms of tarmac road in the area, 140,000 households connected to electricity up from 27000 and provision of clean water.

His comments seemed to target interior CS Fred Matiangi who has also been taking credit of the achievements to his Gusii community. Ruto told the Gusii community to support him since he also has not abandoned them since 2013.

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Politics

Police Raid ODM Governor’s Home

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A contingent of officers led by their police boss last night raided Kisii governor James Ongwae’s home who was holding a political meeting with the ODM brigade ahead of the Bonchari by-elections.

The incident was brought to light in a statement by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on Friday, May 14, claiming harassment over the Bonchari by-election in the region.

“The governor was at the time having a meeting with Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri and another county leader when the officers descended on his premise with guns and teargas,” Sifuna stated.

In the statement, Sifuna alleged that the police boss had been informed that an unlawful assembly was taking place in the governor’s residence.

Speaking on the incident, Ongwae stated that even though he preferred to steer clear of political chaos, the incident had shaken him.

“The intimidation by the police was unnecessary. It is clear that desperate times have led to desperate measures and I have been forced to speak out because the use of excessive force is not good for democracy,” he explained on the incident that occurred on Thursday, May 13.

The ODM party further noted that several intimidation tactics had been used by the police during the campaigns for the Bonchari parliamentary seat.

ODM picked former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director-General Pavel Oimeke to fly the Orange flag.

On its part, Jubilee chose former legislator Zebedeo Opore to battle for the seat.

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