Gakuya explains how Sifuna can trigger major split in ODM
By Aloys Michael, October 22, 2025Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has warned that ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna could be the catalyst for a major split within the faction, following growing internal tensions in the party after the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Gakuya claimed that Sifuna’s grip on the party’s instruments of power may fuel further division if not handled with caution.
“There is a possibility of a division that might split the ODM party in the near future. Edwin Sifuna is the custodian of the party’s instruments. However, if he clings to them completely and fails to hand them over, he could trigger a major split,” he said.
Also watch: Some Kenyans’ reaction to Sifuna’s remarks
The lawmaker raised concern over what he termed a noticeable haste in appointing an interim party leader even before Raila’s burial, suggesting the move was politically motivated.
“It raises questions about the intentions of a particular faction,” he said.
His comments come amid a growing rift within ODM, with Sifuna insisting the party will respect the late Raila’s directive to field a candidate in the upcoming elections, while a faction of ODM members has openly declared their support for working with President Ruto, even beyond 2027.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said that the ODM Party will back President William Ruto’s 2027 reelection.
In a press briefing on Friday, October 17, 2025, in Siaya County, Wandayi brushed off the claims that ODM will field a candidate to run for the country’s top seat in the 2027 contest.
Also watch: Sifuna sparks storm within ODM
“As the ODM party, Baba has left us in the hands of President William Ruto. That’s where we shall stay till the end, and we can dare say without any fear of the contravention that we are going to walk step by step with President Ruto to the end,” Wandayi said.
“We shall stick with him in 2027 and beyond because, as a community, we are safe in his hands.”
Incidentally, Gakuya has claimed that Ruto has a vested interest in the unity of ODM, suggesting it plays a critical role in his 2027 re-election strategy.
“President Ruto is hinging his re-election hopes on ODM. He appears more concerned about ODM’s unity than the internal divisions within UDA,” he asserted.
The MP also pointed to the emergence of Oburu Odinga in recent party activities, implying it may be part of a broader strategy to solidify political partnerships.
“This seems intended to cement this political partnership,” Gakuya remarked.