Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has strongly defended Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna following accusations that he is secretly working against the party from within.
The claims, which have sparked heated debate inside ODM circles, were made by Oketch Salah, a vocal party insider and close associate of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Salah alleged that Sifuna’s recent public positions were evidence of a covert agenda aimed at undermining the party’s leadership and decisions.
Havi, however, dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated.
“Not a mole, but a pillar”
In a statement shared on his X account on Friday, December 26, Havi described Sifuna as one of the most important figures within ODM, arguing that labelling him a mole was both misleading and unfair.
According to the outspoken lawyer, Sifuna’s influence within the party goes far beyond that of a passive member or saboteur.
“Sifuna is not a mole. He is an elephant in the room,” Havi said, suggesting that the Nairobi senator plays a central role in shaping ODM’s direction and public image.
Havi’s remarks came amid growing internal tension within the party following leadership changes and disagreements over strategy, communication, and loyalty.
The controversy traces back to statements made by Salah during an ODM gathering on Christmas Day.
Speaking at a meeting held at the home of Oburu Odinga, the party’s interim leader, Salah accused Sifuna of consistently taking positions that contradict official party resolutions.
Salah claimed that Raila Odinga had previously expressed concern about Sifuna’s political conduct, allegedly telling him that the senator was under close observation and might be advancing interests aligned with rival political forces.
According to Salah, Raila deliberately chose not to confront Sifuna directly, believing that the party secretary-general would eventually face the consequences of his actions.
Salah further accused Sifuna of openly challenging Oburu Odinga’s authority by issuing public ultimatums and adopting a tone he described as disrespectful.
He questioned whether Sifuna would have spoken in a similar manner had Raila Odinga still been at the helm of the party, arguing that such conduct undermines party unity at a delicate moment.
Salah urged ODM members to rally behind Oburu unconditionally, warning that continued public disagreements could weaken the party ahead of future political contests.
The accusations and Havi’s response have exposed deep divisions within ODM, with some members rallying behind Sifuna while others echo concerns about discipline and loyalty.
Salah claimed that Raila Odinga had previously expressed concern about Sifuna’s political conduct, allegedly telling him that the senator was under close observation and might be advancing interests aligned with rival political forces.
According to Salah, Raila deliberately chose not to confront Sifuna directly, believing that the party secretary-general would eventually face the consequences of his actions.
Salah further accused Sifuna of openly challenging Oburu Odinga’s authority by issuing public ultimatums and adopting a tone he described as disrespectful.
He questioned whether Sifuna would have spoken in a similar manner had Raila Odinga still been at the helm of the party, arguing that such conduct undermines party unity at a delicate moment.
Salah urged ODM members to rally behind Oburu unconditionally, warning that continued public disagreements could weaken the party ahead of future political contests.
The accusations and Havi’s response have exposed deep divisions within ODM, with some members rallying behind Sifuna while others echo concerns about discipline and loyalty.
Supporters of the Nairobi senator argue that his outspoken nature reflects transparency and internal democracy, not rebellion.
They say Sifuna’s willingness to speak openly about governance and political strategy has helped ODM remain relevant in national discourse.
Critics, however, insist that party officials must toe the official line once decisions are made, warning that mixed messaging fuels confusion among supporters and rivals alike.
The unfolding dispute comes at a time when ODM is grappling with questions about leadership, succession, and its role in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
Critics, however, insist that party officials must toe the official line once decisions are made, warning that mixed messaging fuels confusion among supporters and rivals alike.
The unfolding dispute comes at a time when ODM is grappling with questions about leadership, succession, and its role in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
With Raila Odinga no longer at the centre of daily party operations, differing interpretations of authority and loyalty have increasingly come to the surface.
Havi’s intervention has added another layer to the debate, framing Sifuna not as a threat but as a heavyweight whose voice cannot be ignored.
Havi’s intervention has added another layer to the debate, framing Sifuna not as a threat but as a heavyweight whose voice cannot be ignored.
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