Sifuna Oburu ODM Meeting: Why I Wasn’t in Talks That Installed Oburu as Party Leader

Sifuna Oburu ODM meeting controversy has sparked debate within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Secretary General Edwin Sifuna publicly revealed that he was not involved in the meeting that installed Dr Oburu Oginga as the party’s interim leader.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s The Explainer, Sifuna distanced himself from the process, raising questions about the procedural legitimacy of the decision and whether the party constitution was followed.

The Nairobi Senator clarified that at the time the meeting took place, he was part of a delegation that had traveled to Mumbai, India, to facilitate the repatriation of the late Raila Odinga’s body.

According to Sifuna, some ODM leaders chose to proceed with the meeting without waiting for his return to Nairobi.

“The public needs to be reminded that I was not part of that meeting that installed Oburu as interim party leader,” Sifuna stated.

Sifuna Oburu ODM Meeting Raises Questions on Party Procedure

The Sifuna Oburu ODM meeting has raised serious concerns regarding adherence to ODM’s internal constitutional processes.

Sifuna referenced the party constitution, which requires the convening of a special National Delegates Conference (NDC) when a party leader dies, to formally elect or confirm a new leader.

He argued that the process used to elevate Oburu Odinga did not meet those requirements.

“The installation of Oburu Oginga as interim party leader was not procedural in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” Sifuna said.

He added that a temporary acting arrangement would have been more appropriate before calling a proper delegates’ conference.

“What I would have advised is allowing one of the deputies to act, even for a month, then within three months call a special NDC and do it procedurally and properly,” he explained.

Why Sifuna Was Not Present During the ODM Leadership Decision

Sifuna also gave a personal account of events surrounding the death of Raila Odinga and the unexpected developments that followed.

He recalled learning about Raila’s passing early in the morning, describing the news as shocking since he had spoken to the ODM leader just a day earlier.

He explained that he was not originally part of the plan to travel to Mumbai but later joined the delegation tasked with bringing Raila’s body back home.

“I was not in that meeting because I was going to fetch my party leader to bring Baba back home,” Sifuna said.

He added that the leadership decision was made without consulting him, stating that those involved likely had their own reasons for proceeding as they did.

Sifuna Addresses Fears of Being Pushed Out of ODM

Amid speculation that the leadership wrangles could affect his position as Secretary General, Sifuna dismissed claims that he was worried about being removed.

He emphasized that leadership positions in ODM are not permanent and should not be treated as personal property.

“There is nowhere it is written that Sifuna must be SG,” he said.

He added that ODM has many capable young leaders who could serve in leadership roles if given the opportunity.

“I have young people in ODM who can do this job even better than me or previous SGs. It is not anyone’s birthright to hold office,” he stated.

Despite the uncertainty, Sifuna reaffirmed his loyalty to the party.

“I am in ODM and nobody can kick me out. You don’t have to be an official to be a member of the party,” he added.

Sifuna Links ODM Leadership Issues to Wider Governance Concerns

Beyond internal party politics, Sifuna used the interview to comment on national leadership and public accountability.

He criticized what he described as growing excesses within government leadership, linking them to public dissatisfaction and governance challenges.

He cited the use of private jets by senior government officials and questioned whether such displays of wealth were appropriate given the country’s economic situation.

“This is the same problem that got us into the 2024 quagmire,” Sifuna remarked.

What the Sifuna Oburu ODM Meeting Means for ODM’s Future

The Sifuna Oburu ODM meeting controversy comes at a critical time for the party as it navigates leadership transitions and prepares for potential coalition negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Political analysts believe the dispute highlights internal tensions over transparency, procedure, and party direction.

As ODM continues restructuring following Raila Odinga’s passing, the leadership decisions made now could significantly influence the party’s unity, public image, and electoral strategy.

With political activity intensifying, ODM supporters and the wider public will be closely watching how the party resolves its internal leadership challenges.
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