A fresh political storm has erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after self-styled “Ghetto President” Gaucho Calvince Okoth launched a fierce attack on Edwin Sifuna following his removal as the party’s secretary general.
Sifuna was dropped earlier this week amid internal disagreements over ODM’s support for the broad-based government arrangement and a pre-coalition understanding between United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.
His opposition to the political cooperation has sparked sharp divisions within the party.
In a statement, Gaucho questioned Sifuna’s authority to challenge ODM leadership decisions, arguing that veteran party figures and long-time supporters are better placed to defend the party’s legacy.
He cited senior figures including Oburu Odinga, Gladys Wanga, and Junet Mohamed as leaders with deeper roots in ODM compared to newer entrants. Okoth noted that Sifuna joined the party in 2016, alongside other leaders he described as recent arrivals.
The politician also named James Orengo and Winnie Odinga as among the few he considers longstanding members, emphasizing that party direction should be shaped by experienced insiders rather than “a small group with personal interests.”
Okoth further alleged external interference, accusing former president Uhuru Kenyatta of using proxies to destabilize ODM leadership.
He claimed such actions risk creating confusion and weakening the party’s unity at a critical political moment.
The remarks also touched on ethnic political dynamics, with Okoth warning against what he described as attempts to use ODM supporters, particularly from the Luo community, for political leverage.
He urged party members to remain vigilant and resist manipulation.
His comments come as ODM navigates internal tension following its decision to engage in cooperation with the government, a move that has triggered debate among supporters and leaders over the party’s ideological direction.
Gaucho urged members to protect ODM’s legacy and remain focused on unity and political stability, warning that internal divisions could undermine the gains made under the party’s leadership.