A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of Parliament has appealed to party leader Oburu Oginga to urgently intervene and rein in growing internal disputes, warning that the divisions could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The seven legislators, led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, said tensions within the party have escalated following the death of ODM founder Raila Odinga, exposing cracks that now threaten party cohesion and public confidence.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Amolo pointed to a public fallout between Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who have exchanged accusations over the management of campaign funds during Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid.

“Given the senior positions they hold and the trust reposed in them, we urge party officials, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, to avoid public confrontations and instead resolve their differences through internal party mechanisms,” Amolo said.

The lawmakers also raised concerns over rising incidents of hostility among ODM leaders, citing allegations by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that he was assaulted and threatened by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai. Owino has claimed the confrontation stemmed from accusations that he was behind online attacks targeting Alai’s wife.

According to the MPs, such incidents paint the party in a negative light and undermine the principles on which ODM was founded.

“The intolerance we are witnessing does not reflect the values of democracy, justice and free expression that Rt Hon Raila Odinga stood for,” Amolo added.

The group warned that internal wrangles are already costing ODM political ground, with rival parties taking over positions that were previously strongholds for the Orange party in some regions.

They called on Oburu Oginga to convene key party organs and mediate the disputes, saying strong leadership is needed to restore unity and direction.

Among those who endorsed the call are Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Nyatike MP Tom Odege, Turkana South MP John Ariko, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, nominated MP Catherine Muma and Catherine Omanyo.

The latest developments have highlighted ODM’s struggle to maintain internal discipline in the post-Raila era, as unresolved grievances from the 2022 election and competing centres of influence increasingly spill into the public arena.