Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has weighed in on the growing tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), urging party leaders not to eject younger members from the political outfit.
Taking to X on Monday, January 5, 2026, Kibwanacriticized the ongoing purge targeting Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, warning that their removal could damage the party led by Oburu Oginga. Party officials have reportedly branded the two legislators as rebels within ODM.
“Free advice: James Orengo, Anyang Nyong’o, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino (aspiring to be Baba) are valuable assets in ODM’s progressive politics. Ejecting the younger two will injure ODM. As of now, ODM & UDA are the only national parties. Why bury ODM with BABA? Oburu Oginga,” the renowned legal scholar wrote.
His remarks come in the wake of internal divisions within ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election. Two warring factions within the party differ sharply on ODM’s stance regarding cooperation with President William Ruto under the current broad-based government arrangement.
Seven ODM legislators, led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, have since urged party leader Oburu Oginga to intervene, warning that infighting could severely undermine the party’s cohesion. They cited tensions that intensified after the passing of party founder Raila Odinga, which they say have weakened ODM’s organizational structure.
The disputes include a public clash between Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who have exchanged accusations over the management of campaign funds during Odinga’s failed 2022 presidential bid.
“Given the positions of trust bestowed on them, we urge the party officials like Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed to desist from public verbal slurs and return to the table for internal discussions,” MP Amollo said.
Amollo also referenced the alleged attack on Babu Owino by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, in which Owino claimed Alai accused him of orchestrating social media attacks against his wife.
The legislators called on Oburu Oginga to convene ODM organs to resolve the conflicts and restore public trust in the party.
“The current intolerance does not augur well for a revolutionary movement that Rt Hon Raila Odinga founded on the ideals of democracy, free speech, and justice,” MP Amollo said. He added that the rifts have already cost the party dominance in certain regions, with rival political parties filling spaces previously held by ODM members.
Other MPs who supported the statement include Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Tom Odege (Nyatike), Catherine Muma, John Ariko (Turkana South), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Aduma Owuor (Nyaka), and nominated MP Catherine Muma.
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