The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is currently navigating a period of profound uncertainty and heightened internal strife, largely catalyzed by the recent death of its long-time leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. His passing, which occurred around November 2025 as indicated by a joint statement from a group of MPs dated January 5, 2026, has left a significant leadership vacuum that is now deeply felt within the party and the wider political landscape. Even prior to this pivotal moment, internal tensions within ODM were evident, with key officials such as Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed seen alongside Odinga at an ODM Central Committee meeting in Nairobi on April 2, 2025, amidst resurfacing debates over the payment of party agents during the 2022 General Election.

The debate surrounding the 2022 agent payments continues to fuel internal disagreements, with top officials reportedly trading barbs over the funds. This internal friction is compounded by a vicious political contest taking shape around Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s position as the ODM Party Secretary General. His tenure is in jeopardy due to a divide between those supporting a broad-based government and those against it. Political leaders allied to ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga are reportedly pushing for Sifuna's removal, citing perceived disrespect towards party leadership and his tendency to present personal opinions as official party positions on various critical matters.

Adding to the party's challenges, a group of Orange Democratic Movement Members of Parliament issued a joint statement on January 5, 2026, raising serious alarm over what they described as escalating political intolerance and violence across the country. They warned that without urgent corrective action, Kenya risks heading into a volatile 2027 election cycle. The legislators emphasized that Odinga’s absence, two months prior to their statement, had undeniably created a void, and they continue to mourn him as a unifying figure whose leadership was anchored on principles of inclusion, tolerance, democracy, and national unity. They stressed that these fundamental principles must continue to guide both the party and the nation, especially in his absence.

The MPs expressed particular concern over a recent surge in politically motivated confrontations and violent incidents. They cited the physical attack on Lamu County Woman Representative Hon. Muthoni Marubu in Murang’a after she voiced her views on the 2027 presidential race, as well as an alleged altercation involving Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Hon. Babu Owino, reportedly stemming from political disagreements. Furthermore, they pointed to the violence witnessed during recent by-elections, notably in Kasipul Constituency, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two individuals. These incidents were collectively described as ominous warning signs of a dangerous trajectory that, if unchecked, could undermine the credibility of the democratic process in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Internally, the MPs cautioned that ODM itself is facing a crucial moment of reckoning. As the country’s largest political party, they argued, ODM cannot afford what they termed “self-cannibalization” driven by public infighting and divisive rhetoric among its leaders. They asserted that the recent public exchanges within the party clearly highlight the absence of Odinga’s steady hand, which previously ensured internal cohesion and dialogue. Consequently, they called upon ODM’s elected leadership and membership to recommit to the values of unity and internal dialogue that defined the party under Raila Odinga’s guidance.

In a direct appeal, the MPs urged party officials, specifically Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, to refrain from engaging in public verbal confrontations. Instead, they advocated for the resolution of differences through established internal party mechanisms. To foster this, they proposed the convening of an internal reconciliation forum, aiming to cool escalating tensions and restore much-needed cohesion within the party ranks. The legislators further warned that the ongoing internal disputes pose a significant risk of weakening ODM’s national standing, noting that smaller political parties are already strategically moving to occupy political space traditionally held by ODM.

To address the deepening crisis, the MPs collectively called on ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga to urgently convene party organs. Their objective is to stabilize the party, rebuild public confidence, and prevent any further erosion of its support base. They concluded their statement by asserting that the current level of intolerance and internal discord does not reflect the revolutionary movement that Raila Odinga founded, which was unequivocally anchored on principles of democracy, free speech, and justice. The statement was notably signed by several prominent MPs, including Otiende Amolo (Rarieda), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Tom Odege (Nyatike), Catherine Muma (Nominated), John Ariko (Turkana South), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), and Aduma Owuor (Nyakach).