Aladwa tells off ODM leaders opposed to broad-based government

Makadara MP George Aladwa with other ODM politicians at Camp Toyoyo Stadium in Jericho, Nairobi on January 10, 2026. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Makadara lawmaker George Aladwa has told off a faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) opposing the broad-based government. Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with grassroots ODM officials and delegates, he accused some leaders of plotting to "sell the party to former President Uhuru Kenyatta." "We are in broad-based government to stay. The fate of the party cannot be decided in hotels," he said, noting that they are following former party leader Raila Odinga's directive to remain in government. Aladwa's remarks appeared aimed at party officials he did not name, including ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who have been strongly opposing the broad-based government. "You cannot claim to be helping the party while holding meetings in hotels. The party belongs to its members. Come to the ground and engage with them," Aladwa stated. His remarks come amid growing divisions within ODM, which has seen two factions emerge, each pulling in different directions, particularly over President William Ruto's re-election bid. The internal rift has also exposed tensions within the party over leadership and succession barely two months after the death of the former Prime Minister. The split deepened further on Thursday when Embakasi East MP Babu Owino called for the party's National Delegates Conference to determine its future post-Raila. In a bold Facebook post accompanied by a photograph of the attendees, Babu Owino wrote: "We want ODM to call an NDC. It is time to take over the party leadership." The image featured Sifuna, National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, Siaya Senator James Orengo, former Attorney General Amos Wako and legislators Ruth Odinga, Catherine Mumma and Crystal Asige. However, Millie suggested on social media that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to promote unity within the party's leadership. "Gather all. Scatter none," she wrote in her Facebook post. Meanwhile, Sifuna has been openly criticising the broad-based government, calling for ODM's exit from the coalition. He also opposes President Ruto's reelection, insisting that the party should field its own presidential candidate against him. They have accused the faction supporting the broad-based government of plotting to "auction" the party to the Head of State. The allegations, however, have been met with rebuttals and counter-claims, with the Sifuna-led faction accused of harbouring plans to hand over the Orange party to former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The tensions come just days after Ida Odinga called for a ceasefire among party leaders. "I want to appeal to those Baba left in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for our country," she said during celebrations of Raila Odinga's posthumous birthday in Karen, Nairobi. "Let us solve the problems of the party by always asking ourselves: what would Baba do under these circumstances? I am sure Baba would tell us to sit down and talk. That is my wish-to sit down and discuss our differences," Ida Odinga said. Makadara MP George Aladwa also weighed in, accusing the Sifuna-led faction of undermining the party, while reaffirming support for ODM party leader Oburu Odinga and the broad-based government. "We will support Oburu. He will remain our party leader," Aladwa said, labelling those opposed to their stance as "fake" officials.

Aladwa tells off ODM leaders opposed to broad-based government

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