The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been thrown into a new wave of turmoil after a faction of life members filed a hard-hitting petition demanding the immediate resignation of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga from all party leadership positions.
Led by veteran member Rachael Tabitha, the petitioners accuse Oburu of violating the ODM Constitution, undermining internal democracy, and sidelining long-serving members — allegations that have ignited one of the biggest internal battles in the party this year.
In their petition to the National Elections Board (NEB), the members cite disregard for Article 6.2.2(b) and claim Oburu has weakened internal party structures through decisions made without due process.
“It is with deep concern that we note actions and decisions attributed to Hon. Oburu Odinga and a select group of individuals that undermine the very principles ODM has defended for decades,” the petition reads.
The group argues that Oburu’s alleged constitutional breaches amount to a “dangerous departure” from ODM’s founding values — transparency, accountability, and participatory democracy.
Three Key Demands — And a 30-Day Ultimatum
The petition outlines three non-negotiable demands:
Oburu’s immediate resignation from all party positions
An urgent National Delegates Convention (NDC) to resolve what they call a governance crisis
Recognition and full participation of ODM life members in party affairs
They warn that if these actions are not taken within 30 days, they will resign from the party en masse “as a matter of principle under the Raila school of thought.”
“ODM is more than an institution — it is a movement built on sacrifice, struggle, and an unyielding quest for justice,” they state.
The petition comes amid growing reports of tensions within the Odinga family over the future of ODM.
According to a Daily Nation report, a rift emerged during the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa, where Winnie Odinga publicly questioned her uncle Oburu’s capacity to lead the party effectively.
Her comments followed earlier claims that unnamed party officials were secretly meeting to “sell off” the party.
“ODM was not made in a bedroom, and its future will not be discussed as pillow talk,” Winnie declared. “It was born out of protest and resistance.”
Her remarks intensified debate over whether ODM should continue cooperating with President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration or take an independent route ahead of the 2027 elections.
ODM’s announcement on November 13 confirming Oburu Odinga as the official Party Leader, taking over from Raila Odinga, fueled further discontent.
Critics argue the transition lacked transparency and violated constitutional procedures — precisely the concerns raised in the current petition.
The petition represents a rare and coordinated internal revolt by life members who traditionally form the backbone of ODM’s grassroots support.
Political analysts warn that if unresolved, the crisis could:
Weaken ODM’s electoral machinery ahead of 2027
Deepen factional splits within the Odinga family
Undermine confidence in the party’s democratic processes
The NEB is now under pressure to act as the 30-day countdown begins.
With the party already split between pro-government and independent paths, the battle over Oburu Odinga’s leadership may define ODM’s trajectory — and possibly its survival — in the lead-up to the next general election.
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