Belgut MP Nelson Koech has thrown a gauntlet at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, daring him to resign from ODM if he no longer respects the party's structures, as internal fissures in the Orange party widen into a chasm.

The war of words within the opposition has escalated, with Belgut MP Nelson Koech advising embattled ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to "shape up or ship out." The challenge follows a chaotic weekend in Kitengela, where Sifuna led a "Linda Mwananchi" rally that was teargassed by police, signaling his growing estrangement from the party's mainstream leadership which is increasingly cozying up to the government.

Koech's intervention is significant. As a UDA legislator, his commentary on ODM's internal wars highlights how the opposition's fragmentation is being viewed by the ruling coalition—with a mix of glee and strategic interest. He invoked the history of Raila Odinga himself, who walked away from FORD-Kenya in the 90s when leadership wrangles became untenable.

The "Rebel" Secretary General

Sifuna is in a precarious position. Technically "removed" by a faction of the NEC and replaced by Catherine Omanyo, he refuses to vacate his seat, insisting he is the substantive spokesman of the party. His Kitengela rally, attended by Gen Z crowds, was a show of force—a demonstration that he holds the "street credibility" even if he is losing the boardroom.

The Cracks in the Orange

• Ideological Split: A faction of ODM wants to work with President Ruto (the "broad-based government"), while Sifuna's wing insists on remaining in robust opposition.
• The History Card: Koech reminded Sifuna that Jaramogi's party also split; history is repeating itself.
• Street vs. State: Sifuna is betting on public discontent; his opponents are betting on state patronage.

The End Game

"If you believe in the spirit of Raila Odinga, resign and form your own party," Koech taunted. It is a dare that cuts to the bone. If Sifuna leaves, he risks political oblivion; if he stays, he remains a thorn in the side of the party's new cooperators. For Kenyan politics, the drama is far from over. The Orange is being peeled, layer by layer, in public view.