Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth League leader Kasmuel McOure on Monday, November 10, 2025, stated he has "nothing personal" against the party's Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna. This declaration comes amidst a deepening public feud between the two prominent figures over the party's strategic direction, particularly concerning its contentious pact with President William Ruto's government.

The rift highlights the ongoing ideological battles within ODM as it navigates a complex political landscape following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025. At the heart of the dispute is the "Broad-Based Government" arrangement, a cooperation agreement that has created significant internal division.

McOure has repeatedly accused Sifuna of "double-speak," alleging that the Secretary-General publicly distances himself from the arrangement while having supported it in closed-door meetings. "You pushed for this arrangement in boardrooms; you must not now pretend to oppose it when you face the people," McOure stated in a widely circulated statement in early November 2025. He argues that this perceived hypocrisy undermines the party's integrity and disrespects the legacy of Raila Odinga, who he says endorsed the pact for the sake of national unity.

A Battle for ODM's Soul

The public disagreement is seen by analysts as symptomatic of a larger struggle for influence and control within Kenya's largest opposition party. With the passing of its patriarch, ODM is at a crossroads, grappling with succession politics and its role ahead of the 2027 General Election. The party has been experiencing significant internal tensions, including disputes over recent grassroots elections in several counties.

McOure's faction insists on honouring the political framework left by Odinga, which includes the broad-based cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration. They frame it as a pragmatic approach to ensure stability and deliver on key reforms. In contrast, Sifuna has positioned himself with a faction that advocates for ODM to maintain a strong, independent opposition stance, warning that collaboration with the ruling regime could dilute the party's identity.

The youth leader has gone as far as daring Senator Sifuna to resign from his party positions if he feels ODM's direction is "retrogressive." "Edwin Sifuna, if you think you are enough of a legislator, if you think you are man enough, and if ODM seems too retrogressive for you, then resign from the mandate that you were given," McOure was quoted saying on October 22, 2025.

Sifuna's Position and Party Dynamics

Edwin Sifuna, a lawyer who has served as ODM's Secretary-General since February 2018, is a powerful figure within the party and the current Senator for Nairobi County, a position he won in the 2022 elections. His supporters view him as a staunch defender of the party's principles and a key voice for the opposition in the Senate, where he also serves as the Deputy Minority Whip.

However, his critical stance on the government pact has put him at odds with other influential party members, leading to threats of his ouster from the Secretary-General post. The internal feuds represent a significant risk to ODM's unity and could weaken its ability to mobilize effectively for future electoral contests.

The conflict also extends to other political matters. McOure recently criticized Sifuna's response to controversial remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga following Odinga's death, deeming it "weak" and arguing that a stronger condemnation was needed from the party's Secretary-General.

As ODM prepares for its 20th-anniversary celebrations, the leadership is under pressure to resolve these internal contradictions. Interim party leader Oburu Oginga has reportedly initiated behind-the-scenes engagements to quell the divisions and unify the party's various factions. The outcome of this power struggle between figures like McOure and Sifuna will likely shape the identity and strategic direction of ODM for years to come.