Lamu, Kenya – Senior leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of interfering in the party’s internal affairs, escalating tensions following the removal of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking during the ODM Linda Ground event in Lamu on Thursday, February 12, 2026, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga directly blamed Kenyatta for the turmoil rocking the party since the death of longtime leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
Junet Mohamed’s Remarks
Junet dismissed claims that ODM’s challenges stem from President William Ruto or the broad-based government arrangement, instead pointing fingers at Kenyatta:
“The problem we have in our party is not the broad-based government or William Ruto; the problem we have is former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The one destroying the party is not Ruto or the broad-based arrangement but Uhuru,” Junet said.
He urged Kenyatta to focus on his Jubilee Party and retirement, accusing him of backing opposition figures behind the scenes.
“We asked him to help us win in 2022 so that Raila becomes president but he failed to make Baba president, so he should now give us peace,” Junet added.
Wanga Defends NEC Decision
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga defended the National Executive Committee (NEC) decision to remove Sifuna, insisting it was constitutional and properly constituted.
“The NEC of yesterday had 34 out of 40 members and so it was constituted. Indiscipline cannot be mistaken for democracy,” she said.
Wanga also condemned remarks she described as disrespectful to Raila Odinga, warning against attempts to undermine his legacy.
Other Leaders Weigh In
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir accused some leaders of aligning with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s camp, claiming their intention was to destabilize ODM before leaving.
“They decided to join Gachagua’s team. They had already formed their party long ago; their intention was to destabilise ODM and then leave, but we destabilised them first,” Nassir said.
Political Context
The accusations come just a day after ODM’s NEC meeting in Mombasa resolved to remove Sifuna from office, citing concerns over discipline within the party’s senior leadership. The fallout has intensified internal divisions, with leaders now openly clashing over the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
