Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has sharply criticized Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following his controversial remarks targeting Oburu Odinga, deepening divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a statement shared on social media, Oketch questioned Sifuna’s record and tone, accusing him of lacking humility in leadership.
“Something has quite bothered me today… what has Sifuna really achieved in life to call Sen Oburu mediocre? Leadership is a virtue of humility. Kiburi itaisha tu,” Oketch wrote.
The remarks come in the wake of Sifuna’s fiery speech on Friday at the People’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) held at Ufungamano House, where a rival ODM faction convened.
During the event, Sifuna openly rejected the prospect of serving under Oburu, declaring that he could not transition from serving under Raila Amollo Odinga to what he termed “mediocrity.”
Sifuna, who has served as ODM Secretary General, defended his stance by highlighting his loyalty to Raila and his belief in leadership grounded in performance and principle.
His comments, however, have drawn mixed reactions within the party, with some leaders backing his position while others, like Oketch, cautioning against what they view as disrespectful rhetoric.
Oketch’s response underscores a growing concern among sections of ODM leaders over the tone of internal disagreements.
By invoking humility as a core leadership value, the Migori Senator appeared to signal discomfort with the increasingly personal nature of the exchanges between party figures.
His remarks suggest that the ongoing dispute risks shifting focus away from substantive policy and party unity.
The confrontation highlights generational and ideological tensions within the party, as younger leaders assert themselves while navigating the legacy of long-serving figures like Oburu.