In a message shared on social media on December 24, Were called on the two leaders to resolve their differences internally and uphold the values of the party during a sensitive transition period.
“My brothers, Edwin Sifuna and Kasmuel McOure, let us resolve our differences internally and with respect, in line with the spirit of ODM and under the leadership of Oburu Odinga,” Were said.
ODM has been undergoing a delicate restructuring following the death of its long-time leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
The party formally ratified Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as its new leader in November, a move aimed at stabilising leadership and guiding the party into the next political phase.
However, the transition has exposed internal divisions, particularly around ODM’s participation in the broad-based government and its strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political observers note that disagreements that were once handled privately are increasingly playing out in public, raising concerns about party cohesion.
The latest dispute was triggered by a video released by McOure on December 24, in which he accused Sifuna of undermining ODM leadership and working against the party’s agreed political direction.
In the video, McOure claimed that Sifuna was sending mixed signals to party supporters by publicly questioning decisions made by ODM leadership, especially regarding cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.
He accused the Secretary General of sidelining party structures and allegedly advancing personal political ambitions.
“You must decide whether you want to serve as Secretary General or pursue personal interests,” McOure said, warning that continued defiance of party leadership would attract consequences.
McOure, who speaks for a section of ODM youth leaders, argued that party discipline must be upheld during the transition period.
He reminded Sifuna that the position of Secretary General is an appointed role that comes with responsibility to support collective decisions.
He also questioned Sifuna’s grassroots mobilisation efforts, claiming the Secretary General speaks confidently in regions outside his home area while failing to strengthen party structures on the ground.
The youth leader warned that failure to align with ODM leadership could see the matter escalated to the National Delegates Convention, where party officials may face review.
Boyd Were’s intervention was seen as an attempt to de-escalate the growing tension and redirect the debate back into party forums.
“All parties must remember that ODM’s strength has always been unity and internal dialogue,” Were said, adding that public confrontations risk weakening the party at a critical time.
Other ODM leaders have also urged restraint, warning that prolonged public infighting could distract the party from policy debates and preparation for future elections.
“Transitions are always difficult, especially for parties built around strong personalities,” said a Nairobi-based political analyst.
“How ODM manages internal dissent will determine its relevance going forward.”
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