Raila Junior takes swipe at Sifuna over ODM exit
Raila Junior takes swipe at Sifuna over ODM exit
Raila Odinga Junior has taken a swipe at ODM members who have walked away from the party, accusing them of trying to take the movement backwards as he called for unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an ODM rally in Turkana North on Friday, October 23, 2026, Junior defended the party as a national movement that had helped Kenya overcome tribal divisions and introduce devolution.
He argued that ODM should remain united despite disagreements over its political direction, insisting that members who had left should reconsider their decisions rather than weaken the party.
“This party is the one that brought devolution, and it is the one that made us move away from tribalism. This party is not for one tribe. It is a party for all of us, and we have no big or small tribe. Our tribe is ODM,” Junior said.
He then took aim at those who had left the party, suggesting that their decisions threatened the progress ODM wanted to achieve.
“Those who have left here want to take us backwards. But we have said that we must continue moving forward,” he said.
His remarks come amid divisions within ODM over its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration and the party’s political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
People feared trapped after multi-storey building collapses in Eastleigh
No first-time MP has become president on his first attempt – Wetang’ula to Sifuna
Kenya Met warns Kenyans along the Coast over rough Seas, strong winds
MPs pass bill to end IEBC livestreaming of election results in 2027
Ruto announces 3-day Ukambani tour (DETAILS)
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been among the prominent critics of the party’s cooperation with the government. He has maintained that he remains an ODM member but has ruled out seeking the party’s ticket in the 2027 elections.
Sifuna has since unveiled The Equitable Party (TEP), with himself as party leader and presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. The party is expected to serve as the political vehicle for the Linda Mwananchi Movement, which brings together leaders opposed to Ruto’s re-election.
The Political Disputes Tribunal had earlier ruled in favour of the movement’s right to reserve the Linda Mwananchi name after the Registrar of Political Parties declined its request.
However, the proposed rebranding has encountered a fresh challenge. On Wednesday, October 21, Chepalungu parliamentary aspirant Ruto Festus lodged an objection with the Registrar, questioning whether the party’s delegates had approved the name change in accordance with its constitution.
The dispute adds another hurdle to Sifuna’s efforts to establish the movement’s political identity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Junior’s remarks in Turkana North come against this backdrop of political realignments and divisions within ODM. His criticism of those who have left the party reflects the competing approaches among leaders over ODM’s future and its relationship with the President.
Blow to Waititu as court dismisses his petition on corruption convicts
UDA Senator admits helping supporter forge certificate to join police
Wanted Kenyan national extradited to the US after 13 years on the run
University of Nairobi declared technically insolvent over Sh20 billion debt
First Human case of Shamonda virus reported in France as patient dies
