Junet Fires Back at Sifuna as ODM Divisions Come Into the Open

Tension inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has burst into the open after a public exchange between party secretary general Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.

The clash has exposed deep divisions within the party, especially over how some leaders have been treating former president Uhuru Kenyatta.

The latest fallout began on Tuesday, December 30, during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Kakamega. 

The event was attended by Uhuru, Raila Odinga, and several senior political figures.

While speaking at the burial, Sifuna offered a public apology to Uhuru. 

He said some ODM leaders had been unfair in their attacks against the former president and accused them of forgetting his support during the 2022 General Election.

Sifuna reminded mourners that Uhuru stood firmly with Raila Odinga at a critical time, both politically and personally. 

He warned ODM leaders against turning their backs on someone who once walked with the party when it mattered most.

His remarks were firm, emotional, and symbolic, sending a clear message to those he felt had crossed the line.

However, the speech did not sit well with Junet Mohamed. Soon after, the Suna East MP took to social media to respond. 

In a defiant post, Junet said he was ready to lead the group Sifuna had criticised, boldly embracing the label used against them.

Junet questioned whether democracy only works when ODM is in opposition and accused some leaders of using moral language to silence differing views within the party.

His response laid bare a growing ideological divide between the party’s top officials and influential figures aligned with a tougher stance.

The exchange did not happen in isolation. In recent weeks, some ODM leaders, including party chairperson Gladys Wanga, have accused Uhuru of trying to interfere with the party’s affairs.

With ODM currently enjoying a working relationship with President William Ruto’s administration, the disagreement reflects a party struggling to balance loyalty, power, and its future direction.

As the debate continues, it is clear that ODM’s internal unity is being tested like never before.