The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been thrust into public turmoil as senior party officials exchange sharp accusations over the handling of campaign funds during Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid. The dispute, which erupted following Raila’s death in 2025, has exposed deep fractures within the party.
At the center of the controversy are ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the party’s Director of Elections, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed. Their confrontation has also implicated former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his family, reopening questions about the mismanagement of resources during the last campaign.
Sifuna Blames Junet for Misuse of Funds
Speaking at the burial of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya’s mother on Saturday, Sifuna accused Junet of hypocrisy and misappropriating campaign funds that were donated by Uhuru Kenyatta to support Raila’s bid. He praised the former president for financially backing the campaign, noting that Raila recorded his strongest performance ever in Mt. Kenya, securing over one million votes.
Sifuna claimed that Junet later portrayed Uhuru’s contributions as “dirty money” despite benefiting from them during the campaign. He further alleged that Junet failed to pay election agents on the ground, contributing to ODM’s defeat in key battlegrounds.
“Without Junet’s actions, ODM could have been in government today,” Sifuna said. He also rejected any notion that he could be disciplined or expelled, emphasizing that Raila never endorsed William Ruto for the 2027 election.
Junet Points Finger at Uhuru’s Inner Circle
Junet quickly responded, rejecting Sifuna’s accusations and attributing the campaign’s logistical failures to Uhuru Kenyatta’s inner circle. He explained that funds for election agents were directed to Muhoho Kenyatta, who appointed Peter Mburu to manage recruitment and payments. According to Junet, agents were never fully mobilized in Mt. Kenya or Luo Nyanza, effectively undermining the campaign’s effectiveness.
Junet defended his loyalty, highlighting that Raila appointed him Leader of Minority in the National Assembly, which he said demonstrated the former leader’s trust. He called on Uhuru, Muhoho, Mburu, and Sifuna to clarify the handling of campaign resources publicly.
Public Fallout Highlights ODM’s Internal Struggles
The spat reveals the extent of ODM’s challenges in the post-Raila era. Once unified under its founder’s authority, the party is now navigating leadership conflicts, lingering grievances from the 2022 elections, and open disputes among senior figures.
As ODM attempts to consolidate its direction and leadership, the public quarrel over campaign funds underscores the party’s need for internal reforms and accountability to maintain cohesion and credibility.
