ODM civil war erupts as Sifuna blasts ‘gatekeeping elders’ over youth exclusion
NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has launched a sharp attack on senior figures within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing veteran politicians and trade union leaders of stifling the growth of younger leaders and undermining internal democracy.
Speaking during a charged political rally in Kisumu on Sunday, April 26, 2026, Sifuna singled out Francis Atwoli and Oburu Oginga as emblematic of what he described as a culture of “gatekeeping” within the party.
“They should be guiding us, not blocking us,” Sifuna told supporters, in remarks that underscore growing tensions within ODM’s ranks. “You cannot claim to build a democratic party while decisions are controlled by a small group of individuals.”
The outspoken senator argued that internal party structures have increasingly become dominated by a handful of senior figures, leaving emerging leaders sidelined and unable to meaningfully influence the party’s direction.
His comments come at a time when divisions within ODM are becoming more visible, with disagreements emerging over leadership authority, succession politics, and the party’s strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna warned that unless reforms are implemented to open up the party and empower younger voices, ODM risks alienating a new generation of supporters and weakening its long-term political relevance.
“We must create space for new leadership,” he said. “If we don’t, we risk losing the very people who are supposed to carry this party into the future.”
ODM, one of Kenya’s most influential opposition parties, has historically drawn strength from a mix of veteran leadership and youthful mobilization. However, analysts say the current tensions reflect a broader struggle over succession and control, as the party navigates an uncertain political landscape.
Neither Atwoli nor Oburu had publicly responded to Sifuna’s remarks by the time of publication.
Also Read: Orengo Pushes Back Against Ruto Influence in ODM