Tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have boiled over in Busia County, where party leaders have openly boycotted an upcoming high-profile meeting set to be led by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The snub comes amid escalating internal rifts in ODM, with local officials accusing Sifuna and his allies of being “used” to destabilize the party and undermine official leadership structures. In a strongly worded statement circulating on social media and local forums, Busia ODM figures declared they will not attend the planned gathering, insisting that true unity demands respect for established party hierarchies—particularly under interim leader Oburu Odinga.
“The party belongs to the people, not a few self-appointed leaders,” one post from a local ODM affiliate emphasized, rejecting what they called “tumbocrats” attempting to hijack the movement. Sources indicate the meeting, slated for February 8, 2026, was intended as a mega “Meet & Greet” or rally featuring Sifuna, Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, under the banner of rallying grassroots support.
However, Busia leaders have distanced themselves, warning against parallel activities that could fracture ODM further. They cautioned that such moves risk playing into external hands, including alleged influences from former President Uhuru Kenyatta or broader political maneuvers ahead of 2027 elections.
This boycott mirrors wider ODM fractures since the passing of Raila Odinga, with factions clashing over strategy, funding, and alliances. Sifuna’s camp has repeatedly vowed to prevent the party from being “sold” to President William Ruto’s government, while critics accuse them of fostering division through unauthorized engagements and resource control disputes.
Youth groups in Busia have also voiced frustration, with some pulling out of related events and labeling them as PR stunts disconnected from local realities. Posts from community forums highlight fears that the meeting could turn chaotic, similar to past disrupted ODM activities in the region.
As ODM grapples with these deepening cracks—evident in boycotts of central committee sessions and parallel rallies—the Busia snub signals that grassroots loyalty may no longer be taken for granted. Party insiders warn that without genuine respect for official channels, the movement risks further fragmentation in one of its traditional strongholds.
Will this rebellion spread, or can ODM mend its divisions before it’s too late? The coming days in Busia could prove pivotal.
This developing story is based on reports from local Facebook groups, X posts, and emerging media updates as of February 7, 2026.
