A high-stakes meeting aimed at resolving simmering tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nearly descended into chaos on Monday at the Karen residence of party treasurer Timothy Bosire.
The session, convened just days before Wednesday’s ODM National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, was intended to mediate internal wrangles but instead exposed deep divisions among senior party leaders.
Present at the meeting were ODM leader Oburu Oginga, treasurer Bosire, deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed.
The discussion reportedly turned tense when Junet directly confronted Sifuna over his public criticisms of President William Ruto.
“Junet confronted Sifuna on why he has been attacking President Ruto. But Sifuna did not take it lightly,” a source familiar with the meeting told news outlets.
The exchange quickly escalated, with reports suggesting the two legislators nearly came to blows before party elders intervened to calm the situation.
The feud between the two MPs has been simmering for months. Junet previously accused Sifuna’s camp of being aligned with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, a claim that Sifuna vehemently denied.
In turn, Sifuna alleged that Junet mishandled resources meant for Azimio presidential agents, accusing him of squandering funds intended for grassroots mobilization.
Junet refuted the claims, arguing that the funds were redirected by former President Kenyatta to his allies rather than being routed through official ODM structures.
The disagreement reflects broader internal tensions within the party, as members continue to debate loyalty, strategy, and the party’s direction ahead of critical electoral contests.
Party insiders say the Monday meeting was a last-ditch effort to find a middle ground before the NEC convened to discuss leadership matters, including the controversial decision to drop Senator Sifuna from his position as secretary general.
While Bosire’s residence offered a private setting for mediation, the encounter highlighted the fragile state of unity within ODM, with long-standing rivalries threatening to overshadow party cohesion.