The gloves are off in the Orange Democratic Movement. Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has publicly dressed down Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of confusing personal populist opinions with official party policy. The rare public censure marks a dangerous escalation in the cold war between the party's old guard and its youthful secretariat.

In a hard-hitting statement released this morning, Oburu reminded Sifuna that "no individual is above the collective," effectively telling the Nairobi Senator to toe the line or ship out. The conflict centers on Sifuna’s relentless criticism of the "broad-based government" deal with President Ruto—a deal that Oburu and the Nyanza establishment have embraced as a strategic necessity for development.

"You Serve at Our Pleasure"

Oburu did not mince his words. He attacked Sifuna’s recent questioning of the legitimacy of party officials, pointing out the irony in the Senator’s logic. "When Sen. Sifuna questions the legality of officials elected by the National Governing Council, he forgets he was a beneficiary of the exact same process in 2018," Oburu fired back.

The rift has birthed two distinct factions holding parallel rallies. While Sifuna leads the "Linda Mwananchi" (Protect the Citizen) brigade in Busia, mobilizing against government taxes and policy, Oburu’s faction is holding "Linda Ground" rallies, preaching the gospel of cooperation and preparing the ground for a potential 2027 coalition. It is a house divided, sending conflicting signals to a bewildered support base.

• The Ideological Split: Sifuna represents the radical, resistance-based DNA of ODM. Oburu represents the pragmatic, deal-making future that prioritizes regional stability over opposition politics.
• Disciplinary Threats: Insiders reveal that a motion to suspend Sifuna is being drafted by pro-Oburu MPs, though such a move risks alienating the party's Nairobi and youth base.
• The Raila Vacuum: The infighting exposes the gaping void left by Raila Odinga. Without his unifying (and terrifying) authority, the center is struggling to enforce discipline.

The Busia Showdown

As Sifuna takes the microphone in Busia today, his response to Oburu will determine the trajectory of this conflict. If he doubles down, ODM risks a formal split. If he capitulates, he loses his brand as the "voice of the voiceless."

"We are committed to an inter-generational dialogue," Oburu’s statement concluded, softening the blow slightly. But the message was clear: The party has a new driver, and back-seat driving will no longer be tolerated. For the Orange party, the days of singing from one hymn sheet appear to be over.