The group, identifying itself as the Broad-based Youth and led by ODM Youth League chairperson Kasmuel Mc’Oure, accused several senior party officials of undermining Oburu’s authority and attempting to destabilise the party through what they termed unconstitutional manoeuvres.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Mc’Oure issued a stern warning to ODM leaders he claimed were working against the party’s current leadership structure.
He singled out Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, accusing them of defying party organs while plotting to force leadership changes outside established procedures.
“This is a clear warning,” Mc’Oure said.
“Anyone who wants to sabotage the broad-based arrangements in ODM should leave the party. We will not allow individuals to weaken the leadership through backdoor tactics.”
Mc’Oure particularly criticised Osotsi, accusing him of claiming ignorance of key party meetings while at the same time pushing for the convening of a National Dialogue Conference (NDC).
Mc’Oure particularly criticised Osotsi, accusing him of claiming ignorance of key party meetings while at the same time pushing for the convening of a National Dialogue Conference (NDC).
According to the youth leader, such actions amounted to selective participation in party affairs and were aimed at undermining unity.
The Broad-based Youth faction has emerged as a vocal supporter of ODM’s controversial cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, a shift that has sharply divided the party.
The Broad-based Youth faction has emerged as a vocal supporter of ODM’s controversial cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, a shift that has sharply divided the party.
The group argues that engagement with the government is a pragmatic strategy that allows ODM to influence policy while remaining relevant nationally.
In a further departure from traditional opposition politics, the faction openly expressed support for President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, a stance that has unsettled many longtime ODM supporters.
“We know where the party is headed,” Mc’Oure said. “Dr Oburu Oginga will lead us into and beyond 2027.”
The youth group accused Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Osotsi of skipping official delegate conventions only to later demand extraordinary meetings aimed at challenging the legitimacy of the current leadership.
The internal divisions come months after the death of ODM party leader Raila Odinga, an event that left Kenya’s largest opposition party grappling with succession questions and ideological direction.
Since then, two clear camps have emerged within ODM. One faction, associated with Oburu Oginga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, supports continued cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government as a means of safeguarding stability and advancing development agendas.
The rival camp, led by East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga and supported by Sifuna and Babu Owino, has called for a return to robust opposition politics.
In a further departure from traditional opposition politics, the faction openly expressed support for President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, a stance that has unsettled many longtime ODM supporters.
“We know where the party is headed,” Mc’Oure said. “Dr Oburu Oginga will lead us into and beyond 2027.”
The youth group accused Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Osotsi of skipping official delegate conventions only to later demand extraordinary meetings aimed at challenging the legitimacy of the current leadership.
The internal divisions come months after the death of ODM party leader Raila Odinga, an event that left Kenya’s largest opposition party grappling with succession questions and ideological direction.
Since then, two clear camps have emerged within ODM. One faction, associated with Oburu Oginga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, supports continued cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government as a means of safeguarding stability and advancing development agendas.
The rival camp, led by East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga and supported by Sifuna and Babu Owino, has called for a return to robust opposition politics.
This group argues that ODM risks losing its identity and grassroots support by aligning too closely with the government.
Their position was recently demonstrated during a Kamukunji rally that attracted large crowds, signalling strong public backing for a more confrontational opposition stance.
Political analysts warn that the escalating public exchanges could weaken ODM at a critical moment, particularly as preparations for the 2027 General Election begin to take shape.
Their position was recently demonstrated during a Kamukunji rally that attracted large crowds, signalling strong public backing for a more confrontational opposition stance.
Political analysts warn that the escalating public exchanges could weaken ODM at a critical moment, particularly as preparations for the 2027 General Election begin to take shape.
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