ODM’S Wanga Slams Sifuna Over Back-pedaling On Oburu’s Appointment
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson Gladys Wanga has responded to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over his remarks regarding Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga’s role as acting party leader.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Wanga questioned Sifuna’s view that Oburu’s appointment was unconstitutional.
She noted that he had previously been involved in the process as the party’s Secretary General.
Wanga highlighted that Sifuna presided over the National Governing Council (NGC) meeting in Mombasa that endorsed Oburu as acting leader, including the swearing-in proceedings.
“The NGC that confirmed Dr Oburu was conducted by Edwin Sifuna in Mombasa, and the swearing-in and everything, he conducted the whole session,” Wanga said.
She expressed surprise at Sifuna’s later comments in media interviews, which questioned the process he had overseen.
The governor described the situation as both puzzling and potentially challenging for party cohesion.
“It is notable that when divisions arise, the same person who presided over the process goes on national television to question the leader’s role,” she said.
“When the leader of an organisation is publicly questioned, it can create uncertainty for that organisation.”
Wanga also noted that Sifuna’s remarks differ from the party’s official statements.
She emphasised that such differences in messaging can affect internal cohesion at a sensitive time for ODM.
The discussion comes amid ongoing debates within ODM following the passing of longtime party leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
Odinga’s death left a huge leadership gap and prompted discussions about succession.
Central to the conversation is Oburu’s appointment as acting party leader, which Sifuna has described as inconsistent with certain procedural provisions.
The Nairobi Senator has noted that the process did not involve a National Delegates Convention (NDC) as outlined in the party constitution for confirming such transitions.
“The installation of Oburu Oginga as interim party leader did not follow all steps outlined in the Constitution,” Sifuna said in a recent interview.
He suggested that a deputy party leader might have served in an interim capacity, followed by a special NDC within three months to formally elect a substantive leader.
ALSO READ:
- Ruto’s Lawyer Among FIVE Shortlisted For Supreme Court Judge
- “We Are Willing To Die, Don’t Try Anything Stupid!” – Orengo Tells Police Stopping Linda Mwananchi NDC
- Revenue Officer Arrested For Demanding Ksh435,000 Bribe In Kilifi
- Oburu Odinga Finally Elected ODM’s Party Leader, Osotsi Axed
- Interior Ministry Declares Parts Of 3 Counties Criminally Disturbed, Dangerous
Oburu, however, has responded to the comments by clarifying the distinction between personal views and formal party policy.
In remarks earlier in February, the Siaya Senator said Sifuna’s statements have led to differing interpretations among party members and supporters.
“ODM policy is determined through structured deliberations by well-constituted party organs, not by individual preferences,” Oburu said.
He also highlighted that the same NGC whose decisions are now being discussed oversaw Sifuna’s own election as Secretary General in 2018.
ODM’S Wanga Slams Sifuna Over Back-pedaling On Oburu’s Appointment
