ODM Rift Deepens as Kaluma Demands Sifuna’s Resignation Over Bipartisan Deal Remarks
Nairobi, Kenya — Tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are boiling over, as Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma publicly demanded the immediate resignation or removal of Edwin Sifuna, ODM’s Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator, over what he termed as “confusion and disrespect” within the party.
Kaluma’s bold statement, posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, intensifies growing calls from ODM insiders for disciplinary action against Sifuna, accusing him of undermining the party’s leadership and deviating from its core ideologies.
“He must resign or be thrown out of the ODM party. The faster this happens, the better,” Kaluma declared.
Sifuna Criticized for Dismissing ODM–UDA Agreement
The backlash stems from Sifuna’s recent public criticism of the Broad-Based Government Framework, a product of the bipartisan agreement between President William Ruto and ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
In a widely viewed TV interview, Sifuna challenged the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that underpins the deal, questioning its transparency, legitimacy, and effectiveness. He cited increased police brutality and the recent death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody on June 8 as evidence that the MoU has failed to uphold its two founding principles:
- Protection of lives
- Safeguarding of democracy
“On the day Albert Ojwang dies in a police cell, for me, this agreement is dead,” Sifuna said.
These remarks have stirred significant political controversy, with ODM stalwarts and Kenya Kwanza leaders uniting in condemnation.
Junet Mohamed: Sifuna Does Not Speak for the Party
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, a close ally of Raila Odinga, dismissed Sifuna’s statements, distancing the party from the senator’s remarks and reaffirming ODM’s commitment to the bipartisan process.
“Sifuna does not speak on behalf of the ODM party. His sentiments are reckless and risk undermining the progress achieved so far,” Junet stated.
Junet’s comments align with those of other ODM MPs who feel that Sifuna’s position has become increasingly antagonistic to the party’s leadership, with some accusing him of political grandstanding and self-interest.
Kenya Kwanza Also Weighs In
Surprisingly, leaders from the rival Kenya Kwanza Alliance also criticized Sifuna’s comments. They accused him of political doublespeak, claiming his remarks were meant to sabotage ongoing efforts toward national unity and reconciliation.
“At a time when the country is healing, Sifuna is throwing political grenades. He’s clearly not interested in unity,” one Kenya Kwanza senator told local media.
These cross-party criticisms suggest that Sifuna has alienated both allies and opponents, creating a politically precarious position for himself.
Is ODM Facing an Internal Crisis?
The sharp differences now playing out in public have reignited concerns of a leadership crisis within ODM. While Raila Odinga remains the symbolic figurehead of the party, internal cohesion appears increasingly fragile, with factions forming around differing interpretations of the party’s future direction and its relationship with the government.
Some ODM insiders argue that Sifuna’s vocal independence reflects frustration among younger members who feel sidelined in major party decisions, especially those involving deals with President Ruto’s government.
“This is not just about Sifuna. It’s about how decisions are made at the top without broader consultation,” an ODM youth official said anonymously.
Sifuna’s Growing Isolation in the Party
Sifuna’s once-strong position as a key party strategist and communicator is now under threat, with mounting calls for him to either retract his statements or step down from his role as Secretary-General.
While he has not publicly responded to Kaluma’s resignation demand, his continued silence may further embolden his critics. Already, a section of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is reportedly considering convening a special sitting to discuss his conduct.
Should that happen, Sifuna may face disciplinary proceedings, possibly leading to suspension or removal from office—unless a political truce is negotiated.
The Bigger Picture: ODM’s Role in the Opposition or Government?
The Sifuna saga has also rekindled debate on ODM’s evolving role in Kenya’s political landscape. Is the party still the official opposition, or has it become a government partner through the bipartisan deal?
Sifuna’s critics argue that his open attacks on the agreement undermine Raila Odinga’s diplomatic and strategic efforts, especially amid speculation that Odinga could be tapped for an international role, including the AU Commission Chairmanship.
But Sifuna’s supporters insist he is merely voicing valid concerns about police excesses, governance failures, and unrealized reforms—issues that ODM, as a people’s party, must confront without fear.
“If Sifuna can’t speak up for victims of police brutality, who will? That’s the role of a true opposition,” said an ODM youth leader.
What Next for Sifuna and ODM?
As political pressure mounts, several possible outcomes lie ahead:
- Sifuna could retract or clarify his statements to ease internal tension.
- ODM could initiate disciplinary proceedings, leading to his suspension or removal.
- Raila Odinga may step in to mediate the internal fallout and preserve party unity.
- Sifuna could resign voluntarily—though this seems unlikely given his past resolve.
Ultimately, the party must decide whether to embrace internal dissent as a strength or to enforce top-down loyalty in the name of discipline.
Conclusion
The growing rift between Edwin Sifuna and the ODM leadership has exposed fault lines within the party and raised serious questions about its unity, strategy, and direction. As Kenya navigates a post-protest political landscape, ODM’s internal cohesion—or lack thereof—will determine not just its electoral prospects, but its ability to influence national policy and defend democratic ideals.
Whether Sifuna survives this storm or not, one thing is clear: ODM is at a political crossroads, and the choices made in the coming days will define its legacy.