MOMBASA, Kenya – With just weeks to go before the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marks its 20th anniversary, internal cracks are threatening to derail the celebrations and unsettle the party’s standing ahead of the 2027 general election.
The long-standing opposition party, known for its charismatic leadership and strong grassroots following, is facing a fierce internal storm. Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna sparked controversy after publicly advocating for ODM to field its own presidential candidate in 2027 — a statement that has sharply divided the party’s top brass.
“Even if we have different opinions, those who are below me should show respect to me,” Sifuna remarked, pointing to growing dissent and what he described as internal disrespect.
However, his stance quickly drew fire from senior party figures, many of whom have openly thrown their weight behind President William Ruto’s administration under the so-called broad-based government arrangement.
Former Mombasa Governor and current Cabinet Secretary for Maritime and Blue Economy, Hassan Joho, signaled a significant shift, declaring his support for President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
“We are in the broad-based government, we will support the president in 2027, but in 2032 we will have our own candidate,” Joho stated, highlighting an emerging pro-government faction within ODM.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, speaking on behalf of party leader Raila Odinga, condemned the public spats and what she termed as rebellion within party ranks.
“As a chair, I will crack the whip. Those leaders showing disrespect should be dealt with,” Wanga warned, asserting that the party is firmly in support of the Ruto-led administration for the sake of national development.
She also reiterated support for embattled Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who has faced political headwinds from local MCAs, and called on ODM members to align with the current government for the benefit of their constituents.
“We support the broad-based government because of development. Local leaders must align with this vision,” she added.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed also joined the chorus, affirming ODM’s place in the government and directly challenging Sifuna’s remarks.
“We are in the broad-based government, and we know our president is Ruto. If our Secretary General doesn’t recognize that, we remind him — ODM is inside the government,” said Junet.
He went further, accusing Sifuna of undermining party unity by aligning with leaders from outside traditional ODM strongholds, such as Mt. Kenya’s Gathoni Wamuchomba.
“ODM is in the broad-based government to stay and can’t be swayed by opposing leaders,” Junet emphasized, hinting at an upcoming reorganization within the party ahead of 2027.
Amid the tension, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir pledged to rally the Coast region behind President Ruto to ensure continued development.
“Mombasa will stay in the broad-based government and support government agendas in the region,” Nassir said during a land title issuance ceremony in Jomvu, Miritini.
The event saw hundreds of long-waiting Miritini residents receive land title deeds, a major milestone for the community. Mombasa Executive Committee Member for Lands, Husein Mohamed, urged leaders to approach land matters with sobriety to avoid dividing the residents.
“Let’s handle land issues with sober minds. This should not be a political tool to divide Mombasa people,” Husein said.
Despite mounting pressure, Sifuna has downplayed talk of division, insisting ODM remains solid and united.
“ODM is solid, and no amount of pressure can dismantle the party’s unity,” Sifuna asserted. “The ODM at 20 signifies a fresh, very progressive leadership.”
He doubled down on his earlier remarks, calling for mutual respect among elected leaders and hinting once again at the possibility of a 2027 ODM presidential ticket.
“Those leaders elected through the party should stay united. We must respect one another,” he emphasized.
The ODM at 20 celebrations, set for October 10–11 in Mombasa, were meant to mark two decades of political resilience and reform under the leadership of Raila Odinga. However, the growing internal dissent threatens to overshadow the milestone.
As the anniversary nears, all eyes will be on Mombasa to see whether ODM can reconcile its divisions — or if the growing split will mark the beginning of a new political realignment ahead of the 2027 polls.
About The Author
