The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is grappling with significant internal strife, marked by a public dispute between party leader Oburu Oginga and embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. The conflict escalated with the party's decision to relieve Sifuna of his duties, a move that Sifuna vehemently opposes, leading to a complex legal and political standoff within one of Kenya's major political outfits.

Oburu Oginga, speaking from Makupa, Mombasa County, explicitly stated that while Sifuna would not be expelled from the ODM party, the decision to remove him from his Secretarial General duties stands. Oginga dismissed an order from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) that had blocked Sifuna’s removal, asserting that Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo is now the duly recognized Secretary General, enjoying the full blessings and authority of the party organs. "Catherine Omanyo is our SG. The other one was relieved of duties by the party for indiscipline, but we have not expelled him from the party. He (Sifuna) is the SG according to the court, but Omanyo is the party’s choice,” Oburu declared. He emphasized a strict policy of "zero intolerance to indiscipline" within the party ranks, signaling that such fallouts would result in relegations from management roles to general membership rather than outright expulsions.

Sifuna's "punishment" emerged amid accusations of open defiance against Oburu’s leadership, with the disagreements spilling from party boardrooms into public political rallies. On Sunday, February 15, Sifuna led a prominent rally in Kitengela, directly competing with Oburu’s "Linda Ground" event held at Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa. Earlier, on Thursday, February 12, following his initial ouster, Sifuna held a press conference where he openly challenged Oburu’s legitimacy as the party leader and questioned his ascent to the party's apex. Despite the internal pressure, Sifuna maintained, "I remain a loyal member and the duly elected Secretary General of ODM," and the PPDT's intervention temporarily barred ODM and the Registrar of Political Parties from gazetting his removal, granting him more time in the post.

The highly anticipated Sifuna-led ODM faction rally in Kitengela on February 15, 2026, aimed to intensify pressure on President William Ruto's administration and its broad-based government partners. However, the event quickly devolved into chaos when anti-riot police dispersed the hundreds of supporters using teargas canisters. Panic erupted as attendees, including boda boda riders, residents, and youth, scattered in different directions. Live bullets were reportedly heard amidst attempts to disperse surging crowds, leading to the paralysis of transport along the Nairobi-Namanga Road. Shops remained largely closed, and running battles between youths and police continued in parts of the town, with some youths persisting in chanting anti-government slogans long after the rally was halted.

During the tumultuous Kitengela events, Edwin Sifuna seized the opportunity to launch a scathing critique against President William Ruto's administration. He accused the government of exhibiting "frail leadership that is crippling the nation" and vowed unwavering resolve. "We will not fear anything. We will continue to speak the truth so that we protect citizens from corruption and the abductions we have witnessed," Sifuna declared, invoking the legacy of the late ODM founder Raila Odinga. He further asserted a broad base of public support, stating, "Kenyans have given me comfort to know that even if they do away with Sifuna, more than 15 million Sifunas will continue with this mission." The senator also highlighted the deteriorating state of key sectors like health and education, decrying the suppression of leaders who speak out against these issues.

Sifuna's confrontational stance has undeniably exacerbated existing divisions within the ODM. His allies, including James Orengo and Babu Owino, have vehemently disputed Catherine Omanyo's appointment as acting secretary general, labeling it a "political witch hunt." ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, in turn, has publicly accused Sifuna of undermining the party's authority. These internal fissures have become more pronounced following the death of Raila Odinga in October 2025, creating divergent strategic paths within the party regarding its engagement with the current administration. While Oburu Oginga advocates for closer cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government, Sifuna's "Linda Wananchi" faction firmly opposes such collaboration, preferring a more adversarial stance.

The legal battle surrounding Sifuna's position is ongoing, with the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal having initially halted his removal and slated the case for further mention on February 26. In parallel, the ODM party has moved to consolidate its position by calling for a National Delegates Convention (NDC), where fundamental changes to its leadership structure and direction are expected to be formally ratified. This upcoming convention is poised to be a pivotal moment in determining the future leadership and policy trajectory of the ODM amidst its profound internal challenges.