ODM seeks deputy president slot as Sifuna row exposes party divisions

Nairobi County Senator Sifuna addresses Linda Mwanainchi rally at Mumboha ground, Vihiga County, April 25, 2026. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have intensified calls for both internal unity and equitable power-sharing ahead of the 2027 General Election, as the party navigates coalition negotiations and rising internal tensions.

ODM national leaders have maintained that any political partnership with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) must be based on equality. Deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Nassir and Simba Arati said the party would only support a working arrangement if ODM secures a fair share of government positions, including the deputy president’s seat and one of the Speaker positions.

Speaking during the ODM Kilifi County youth convention in Malindi town, the leaders emphasised that the party would first field candidates for all elective positions before entering coalition talks. “We will field candidates in all positions as ODM before negotiations. I also thank President William Ruto for reining in UDA leaders who had been disrespecting us,” said Arati.

The leaders also criticised Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of launching attacks against Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Hassan Joho.

ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga reiterated that the party would push for a 50–50 power-sharing arrangement if the partnership with UDA materialises. “We are going into negotiations as equal partners. ODM is the largest party in this region and we expect to secure 50 per cent of government,” she said.

Joho expressed confidence that he would clinch the deputy president position, adding that he intends to vie for the presidency in 2032.

Even as ODM positions itself nationally, internal disagreements continue to simmer within the party. National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo has warned party leaders that sustained attacks on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna risk strengthening his political standing rather than weakening it.

ODM has recently experienced divisions linked to rivalry between the Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi factions, with members of the former criticising Sifuna and his allies.

Speaking in Mbita Town during the issuance of NG-CDF bursaries, Odhiambo cautioned against actions that could deepen party fractures. “From my political experience, continued attacks on Sifuna only build his popularity,” she said.

Odhiambo revealed she attempted to intervene during a meeting convened to remove Sifuna but faced backlash for expressing dissent. She argued that the perceived mistreatment had elevated Sifuna’s profile and warned that internal conflicts could undermine party cohesion.