Speaking to the press after the meeting, Oburu clarified that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi were absent with apologies, dismissing claims that their absence signalled deepening rifts within the opposition outfit.
The Central Committee meeting, one of the party’s highest decision-making organs, had attracted attention following recent public disagreements among senior ODM leaders over strategy, internal discipline, and engagement with other political formations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu explained that both leaders had logistical challenges that prevented them from attending the meeting, adding that the party was formally informed in advance.
“Honourable Osotsi, who is our Deputy Party Leader, is currently in South Africa,” Oburu said.
“He sent his apologies because he was unable to make it back in time. He attempted to catch a flight to attend the meeting but unfortunately missed it.”
He added that Sifuna was similarly unable to attend due to travel-related challenges.
“Sifuna also sent his apologies for this meeting; he missed his flight. Both of them were excused and had the committee’s permission not to attend,” Oburu said.
The ODM leader dismissed suggestions that the absence of the two prominent figures pointed to internal rebellion or factionalism within the party.
“There is no crisis,” Oburu said.
He added that Sifuna was similarly unable to attend due to travel-related challenges.
“Sifuna also sent his apologies for this meeting; he missed his flight. Both of them were excused and had the committee’s permission not to attend,” Oburu said.
The ODM leader dismissed suggestions that the absence of the two prominent figures pointed to internal rebellion or factionalism within the party.
“There is no crisis,” Oburu said.
“What you are seeing is democracy at work. ODM allows its members to express divergent opinions, and that does not mean the party is divided.”
According to Oburu, the Central Committee meeting focused on key issues touching on the party’s political direction, internal organisation, and preparedness for the next election cycle.
Among the matters discussed was a review of the party’s 10-point agenda, particularly regarding compensation for victims of demonstrations and public protests.
According to Oburu, the Central Committee meeting focused on key issues touching on the party’s political direction, internal organisation, and preparedness for the next election cycle.
Among the matters discussed was a review of the party’s 10-point agenda, particularly regarding compensation for victims of demonstrations and public protests.
The committee resolved that any compensation funds should be channelled through legally recognised institutions to ensure transparency and accountability.
The party also discussed the need to strengthen internal cohesion and reaffirm its structures as political realignments begin to take shape nationally.
Oburu revealed that ODM had agreed to initiate structured talks with like-minded political parties and potential allies as part of early preparations for the 2027 General Election.
“These engagements are about building consensus and ensuring that when the time comes, ODM is well-positioned both internally and externally,” he said.
The party also discussed the need to strengthen internal cohesion and reaffirm its structures as political realignments begin to take shape nationally.
Oburu revealed that ODM had agreed to initiate structured talks with like-minded political parties and potential allies as part of early preparations for the 2027 General Election.
“These engagements are about building consensus and ensuring that when the time comes, ODM is well-positioned both internally and externally,” he said.
The meeting also drew attention following the absence of Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who serves as ODM’s vice chairperson.
However, Amollo clarified that he was not required to attend the Central Committee meeting because he is not a member of that specific organ.
In a statement posted on his X account, Amollo dismissed claims that he had boycotted the meeting.
“ODM Manenos. May it be known that as Deputy Chair of ODM, I have not boycotted any meeting. I am not a member of the Central Committee,” Amollo said.
Amollo has recently played a prominent role in efforts to calm tensions within the party, particularly following public exchanges between ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
Last week, Amollo urged party leaders to tone down public disagreements and resolve internal disputes through established party mechanisms.
In a statement posted on his X account, Amollo dismissed claims that he had boycotted the meeting.
“ODM Manenos. May it be known that as Deputy Chair of ODM, I have not boycotted any meeting. I am not a member of the Central Committee,” Amollo said.
Amollo has recently played a prominent role in efforts to calm tensions within the party, particularly following public exchanges between ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
Last week, Amollo urged party leaders to tone down public disagreements and resolve internal disputes through established party mechanisms.
He has also publicly supported structured pre-election talks between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a position that has sparked debate within the party.
Oburu acknowledged that ODM, like any major political party, is experiencing robust internal debate but insisted that this should not be mistaken for disunity.
“Our commitment is to strengthen the party,” he said.
Oburu acknowledged that ODM, like any major political party, is experiencing robust internal debate but insisted that this should not be mistaken for disunity.
“Our commitment is to strengthen the party,” he said.
“ODM remains united, focused, and prepared to play its role in shaping Kenya’s political future.”
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