NAIROBI — The simmering cold war within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) erupted into open hostility on Tuesday, threatening to tear the opposition outfit apart just as the country heads into a pivotal political year.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has openly challenged Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, declaring himself the "spokesperson of the washenzi (fools)" in a sarcastic but stinging rebuke that signals a deep fracture in the party’s top command.

The flare-up was triggered by a highly charged speech Sifuna delivered earlier that day in Kakamega during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. In a bid to mend fences with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was in attendance, Sifuna offered a public apology for what he termed "sustained insults" directed at the former Head of State by a section of ODM leaders.

The Kakamega Flashpoint

"Because I am still the ODM Secretary General, I want as the spokesperson to apologize to you, Uhuru Kenyatta," Sifuna told the mourners, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "I ask for forgiveness on behalf of our Party for the insults you have been receiving from various ODM leaders who have forgotten the support you gave Raila Odinga."

Sifuna went further, branding the critics as "thoughtless" and suffering from political amnesia. "As I apologize on behalf of the thoughtless, I also want to say thank you," he added, effectively drawing a line in the sand between those loyal to the Azimio coalition's founding principles and those drifting away.

The apology did not sit well with the Suna East MP. In a swift and defiant rejoinder that has since set social media ablaze, Junet embraced the insult, effectively daring Sifuna to a political duel.

"Tuko Tayari": The Rebellion Begins

"I shall be the spokesperson of the 'WASHENZI' Group in the Mighty ODM party," Junet fired back. "Without fear and favor, so help me God. Tuko tayari (We are ready)."

This exchange is more than just a war of words; it is a battle for the soul of Kenya's largest opposition party. For the average Kenyan, a fractured opposition means a weaker check on government excesses, potentially impacting everything from tax policy to the cost of living.

The rift is compounded by reports that party stalwart Wycliffe Oparanya is also reconsidering his stance. "Niko tayari (I am ready)," Oparanya was quoted saying, hinting at a possible exit for the sake of unity—or perhaps a realignment.

• The Trigger: Sifuna apologizes to Uhuru for "insults" from party members.
• The Reaction: Junet sarcastically accepts the "fool" label and declares readiness for war.
• The Stakes: The unity of the Azimio coalition ahead of the 2027 cycle.

As the dust settles on Jirongo’s send-off, the spotlight now turns to party leader Raila Odinga. With his lieutenants openly trading fire, the question remains: can the center hold, or is the Orange party ripening for a split?