"You Were Just Handpicked to be SG," Kasmuel Takes on Sifuna as ODM Infighting Deepens

Fresh tensions have erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement following sharp criticism directed at Secretary General Edwin Sifuna by party youth leader Kasmuel McOure. 

The dispute has exposed growing unease over discipline, loyalty, and authority inside the party.

Kasmuel faulted Sifuna for making public remarks that he says do not reflect ODM’s official position. 

He argued that the secretary general’s office is institutional and must not be used to advance personal views.

According to Kasmuel, holding a senior party office comes with strict obligations to uphold the constitution and respect collective decisions. He insisted that personal ambitions should never override party unity.

The ODM youth leader warned that continued deviation from agreed positions risks weakening the party ahead of future elections. 

He reminded members that ODM has structures designed to guide debate and resolve disagreements internally.

Kasmuel also noted that party officials are appointed by the organisation and can equally be replaced. He stressed that no individual is bigger than the movement or its founding ideals.

The remarks followed Sifuna’s recent apology to former President Uhuru Kenyatta over insults allegedly made by some ODM leaders. 

That gesture sparked anger among leaders who felt the apology was neither sanctioned nor discussed.

Several senior figures accused Sifuna of engaging external actors to shape internal party affairs. They claimed such actions undermine trust and blur the party’s political direction.

Sifuna has defended himself by calling for strict adherence to party organs when making major decisions. 

He maintains that matters like cooperation with rival parties must be approved through established councils.

The disagreement has sharpened existing divisions within ODM since the death of Raila Odinga. 

Without its long-serving leader, the party is struggling to balance competing interests and ideologies.

One faction supports working closely with the ruling administration ahead of the next elections. Another camp argues that ODM should remain independent and protect its reformist identity.

The standoff has left grassroots supporters confused and anxious about the party’s future. Analysts warn that prolonged infighting could erode public confidence.

As pressure mounts, calls for dialogue and restraint are growing louder. Whether ODM can restore cohesion may determine its relevance in Kenya’s shifting political landscape.