Oburu said the meeting reaffirmed unity within the ODM Party, describing Sifuna as a sober, principled leader who reflects the party’s democratic values.
He emphasized that despite the current internal tensions, the party remains united and committed to its ideals.
The ODM leader also underscored the importance of open dialogue, noting that differing opinions should not be mistaken for division.
Oburu Oginga, Edwin Sifuna Hold Closed-Door Meeting Amid ODM Disputes. Photo: Courtesy.
He said constructive debate is essential for the growth of strong political movements and stressed that ODM’s progress and continuity largely rests with the contribution and leadership of its younger members.
The meeting comes amid heightened concern within ODM following warnings from a group of party Members of Parliament over rising political intolerance, violence and internal divisions.
The lawmakers, speaking to the media on Monday, January 5, cautioned that the growing hostility threatens both national stability and the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 General Election.
They expressed alarm over what they described as increasingly aggressive political rhetoric targeting leaders with dissenting views, pointing to a recent incident in Murang’a where Lamu Woman Representative Muthoni Marubu was allegedly physically attacked after expressing her position on the 2027 presidential race.
The MPs further cited alleged politically driven confrontations involving Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as part of a growing pattern of violence in the political arena.
They warned that failure to rein in rising intolerance could plunge the country into widespread unrest during the 2027 General Election.
They also expressed concern over deepening divisions within ODM, attributing the infighting to the absence of the unifying leadership once provided by the late Raila Odinga.
The lawmakers urged party members to recommit to unity, cautioning that public spats particularly involving Senator Sifuna and MP Junet Mohamed are weakening the party and creating room for rival political formations to gain ground.
