ODM Rift Deepens as Edwin Sifuna Accuses Junet Mohamed of Mismanaging Raila’s Campaign Funds
Rifts within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) appear to be deepening as the party begins positioning itself ahead of the 2027 General Election, with senior figures now publicly trading accusations over past campaign conduct and the party’s political direction.
The latest flashpoint emerged on Saturday, January 3, when ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna launched a scathing attack on National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, accusing him of mismanaging funds during Raila Odinga’s 2022 presidential campaign.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of Alice Wangari Gakuya, the mother of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Sifuna alleged that large sums of money donated to support Odinga’s campaign were never properly remitted to the party or its agents. He dismissed claims by some ODM leaders that former President Uhuru Kenyatta failed to support Odinga’s bid, insisting instead that Kenyatta was a major financial backer.
According to Sifuna, funds allegedly provided by the former president were mishandled internally, with blame squarely placed on Junet Mohamed, the Suna East MP and one of Raila Odinga’s closest allies.
“Uhuru Kenyatta helped us a lot. Most of the funds we were using during campaigns came from Uhuru,” Sifuna told mourners. “I know the money we used for campaigning came from Uhuru Kenyatta. You took that money, failed to remit it fully to the party and ate some of it instead of paying agents.”
The remarks mark one of the strongest public accusations made by a senior ODM official against the party’s parliamentary leadership and are likely to intensify internal tensions within the opposition outfit.
Sifuna also pushed back against claims that he has been intimidated or faces possible expulsion from ODM due to his outspoken stance on recent political developments. The Nairobi senator was emphatic that his position within the party remains secure and that no individual has the authority to force him out.
“You cannot intimidate me. No one can chase me out of ODM,” Sifuna declared.
He further rejected suggestions that Raila Odinga had endorsed President William Ruto or signalled support for his re-election in 2027, insisting that the ODM leader remains opposed to the current administration.
“Raila never said we should support Ruto; he told me clearly, Kasongo must go home in 2027,” Sifuna said, using a nickname commonly associated with the president.
The ODM Secretary General also addressed growing unease within the party’s traditional support bases, claiming that regions which overwhelmingly backed Odinga in past elections are increasingly dissatisfied with the current leadership.
Sifuna singled out Western Kenya as a stronghold that remains firmly in ODM’s corner, while warning that frustrations are mounting among voters who feel politically sidelined.
“I will never accept people choosing my friends or enemies. If you have a problem with someone, that is your personal issue,” he said. “I want to tell you that Western is ours, and I’m telling you as the ODM SG that all areas that supported Raila are tired of Kasongo.”
The comments underline growing divisions within ODM as party officials openly question past campaign management, alliances, and the movement’s future strategy. With the 2027 election cycle already taking shape, the public fallout raises fresh questions about unity within Raila Odinga’s camp and whether internal disputes could weaken the opposition’s chances going forward.
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ODM Rift Deepens as Edwin Sifuna Accuses Junet Mohamed of Mismanaging Raila’s Campaign Funds