ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has issued a detailed response to comments made by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna during his Tuesday, February 3, interview on Citizen TV, addressing concerns over internal party discourse and policy interpretation.
In his statement, Oburu acknowledged the democratic space within the Orange Democratic Movement, emphasizing that debate and differing opinions are welcome.
However, he stressed that Party policy is determined collectively through constitutionally mandated organs, not by individual preference.
“ODM policy is not shaped by personal opinions; it is the product of structured deliberation through properly constituted Party organs,” Oburu said.
The Party Leader commended Sifuna for reiterating ODM’s ideological foundations, including social democracy, equity, justice, devolution, constitutionalism, and inclusive governance.
These principles, he noted, continue to guide the Party’s coalition-building strategies and broader political engagements, reflecting the vision of the late Party Founder, Raila Odinga.
Oburu also criticized remarks by Sifuna that, he said, misrepresented the legitimacy of certain Party officials and organs.
He reminded members that Sifuna himself was elected Secretary General in February 2018 by the National Governing Council and later endorsed by the National Delegates Convention in 2022, underscoring that one cannot selectively challenge processes that confer legitimacy.
Addressing apparent contradictions in Sifuna’s stance on coalition negotiations, Oburu noted that while the Secretary General previously advocated early pre-election discussions in July 2025, he has since questioned the urgency of such engagements.
Oburu argued that strategic planning is a matter of prudence, not panic, and urged the Party to focus on ODM-led initiatives rather than external coalitions.
The statement concluded with a call for discipline and unity within ODM.
Oburu reaffirmed the Party’s commitment to engaging all members, consulting its organs, and pursuing negotiations in line with its ideology and national interest.
“Debate is welcome, but it must be responsible and aligned with Party discipline. No individual, however senior, is above the collective decisions of the Party,” he said.
Oburu Odinga reiterated ODM’s dedication to building a just, inclusive, and democratic Kenya, urging members to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to the Party’s shared vision.
This response comes amid ongoing discussions about ODM’s role in shaping post-election coalitions and its internal cohesion as Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections.