Sabina Chege tips ODM to survive amid division fears
Nominated MP Sabina Chege has downplayed fears of ODM collapsing following internal divisions sparked by the death of party leader Raila Odinga.
ODM, which has long been defined by Odinga’s leadership and mass grassroots support, now faces its toughest test yet: surviving in a post-Raila era.
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In an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Chege defended ODM’s resilience, saying it remains one of the most established political outfits in Kenya.
“It is not easy for ODM to crumble, as it remains the oldest and strongest party after KANU and the only one with structures that reach down to the grassroots,” she said.
Her remarks come amid mounting speculation over the party’s future leadership and direction, with a section of the ODM leaders claiming to have received personal guidance from Odinga before his death.
However, the MP cast doubt on these claims, urging for clarity.
“Everyone claims Raila told them something before his death, but the biggest question is: when and where?” she posed.
According to Chege, Raila may have spoken of coalitions or broader political alignments but warned that his message might have been misunderstood.
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But she acknowledged that the party would likely undergo internal shifts.
“Yes, there will be shake-ups and possible splits, but ODM won’t go down easily. It will still be standing in 2027,” she affirmed.
Chege also predicted potential exits by younger ODM leaders.
“I foresee Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino forming their own political parties,” she added, adding that the generational and ideological fault lines within the party may soon lead to formal divisions.
ODM in a shipwreck?
At the same time, Embakasi 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.
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.
