What You Need to Know
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to embrace internal democracy and avoid mistreating members. Amid rising tensions, she highlighted that mistreatment could elevate dissenting voices, referencing Edwin Sifuna’s strengthened public image due to internal conflicts. Odhiambo emphasized loyalty to ODM while advocating for constructive criticism to strengthen,
Africa-Press – Kenya. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has come to the defence of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), urging members to embrace internal democracy and handle party disputes with restraint.
Speaking amid rising tensions within the party, she warned against the mistreatment of members, noting that such actions risk backfiring and elevating dissenting voices into symbols of resistance.
She pointed to the experience of Edwin Sifuna, arguing that how he has been handled internally has only strengthened his public standing.
“Our mistreated Sifuna is what has made Sifuna a hero. So let us be careful the way we are dealing with our issues,” she said.
Millie also revealed that she has previously faced intimidation for speaking out, alleging that individuals were sent to attack her after raising concerns within the party.
She further claimed that her attempts to address internal issues were met with hostility, including being shouted down during a gathering in Kisumu.
Despite the challenges, the legislator reaffirmed her loyalty to ODM, stressing that her criticism is aimed at strengthening rather than undermining the party.
“I will say without fear that as a party that I love, we must strengthen our party, and that show of strengthening our party means there must be internal party democracy,” she added.
Sifuna has in recent months signaled interest in higher office, with political observers pointing to his Linda Mwananchi faction as groundwork for a possible presidential run in 2027.
His stance has put him at odds with sections of the ODM leadership following a fallout over the party’s cooperation agreement with Ruto’s administration.
After the death of party leader Raila Odinga in October last year, Sifuna has consistently argued that supporting Ruto’s re-election was not part of the 10-point Memorandum of Understanding signed between the former Prime Minister and the President.
The pact centered on collaboration between ODM and the ruling UDA party in implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report and addressing governance, economic and political challenges.
Even as pressure mounted within the party, Sifuna has remained vocal against the arrangement, signalling readiness to work with like-minded leaders to form a new opposition alliance outside the ODM-UDA framework.
Despite his removal as secretary general, which he successfully contested in court, Sifuna has continued to gain traction, particularly among urban and younger voters who view him as a leading voice of resistance and have urged him to challenge Ruto in 2027.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been a significant political force in Kenya, often navigating internal disputes and leadership challenges. The party has faced scrutiny, especially following the death of its leader, Raila Odinga, which has led to shifts in power dynamics and aspirations among its members. Edwin Sifuna’s rise as a prominent figure reflects the evolving landscape of Kenyan politics, where internal party democracy remains crucial for maintaining unity and addressing member grievances. As the 2027 elections approach, the party’s ability to manage internal conflicts will be pivotal in shaping its future and electoral success.
