“Their Relationship With ODM Is Like a Marriage Headed for Divorce,” Didmus Barasa Predicts Exit of Sifuna and Osotsi

Political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) continue to intensify after Didmus Barasa predicted that two senior party figures—Edwin Sifuna and Godfrey Osotsi—are likely to leave the party amid growing internal divisions.

Speaking during a media interview on Monday, the Kimilili Member of Parliament compared the strained relationship between the two senators and the party to a troubled marriage that is slowly heading toward separation.

According to Barasa, the actions and political positioning of the two leaders suggest that their ties with ODM are weakening and that their departure could only be a matter of time.

Barasa argued that the behaviour displayed by the Nairobi and Vihiga senators indicates that they may already be exploring political alternatives outside ODM.

He used the analogy of a marriage to explain how political alliances operate, stating that when trust and loyalty begin to fade, the relationship becomes difficult to sustain.

“Political parties are similar to marriage; they thrive on the same principles. The likes of Sifuna and Osotsi are behaving in a manner that insinuates they have an affair with other political parties,” Barasa said.

He added that the relationship between the two leaders and ODM has deteriorated significantly, suggesting that reconciliation may be difficult.

“The relationship between these two and the ODM party has broken down beyond repair; it is only a matter of time before they leave,” he stated.

Barasa further argued that ODM would be better positioned politically if members perceived to be aligned with other political formations left the party.

According to him, removing individuals whose loyalty is questioned would help the party negotiate political alliances from a stronger position.

“The only way to strengthen ODM’s bargaining position is to remove personalities who appear to be affiliated with other parties. Once they have moved on, we can sit down to negotiate on equal terms,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when ODM is facing significant internal debate about its future direction following shifts in Kenya’s political landscape.

The party has recently experienced deep divisions, with factions emerging within its leadership structure. 

The tensions intensified after disagreements over the direction of the party and its role in the evolving national political environment.

Two main factions have emerged: the Linda Mwananchi group and the Linda Ground camp.

The Linda Mwananchi faction is associated with leaders allied to Sifuna, who have been holding rallies across different parts of the country in an attempt to mobilise grassroots support.

Among the prominent leaders aligned with the faction are Richard Onyonka, Erick Okong'o Mogeni, Babu Owino, and Wanami Wamboka.

The rival Linda Ground faction is linked to the party’s senior leadership, including Oburu Odinga and Gladys Wanga, who have been pushing for unity within the party.

The tensions escalated in February 2026 when ODM’s National Executive Committee moved to suspend Sifuna from his position as Secretary General.

Following the decision, the party temporarily appointed Catherine Omanyo to run the secretariat in an acting capacity.

However, the decision triggered a legal challenge, with Sifuna successfully obtaining temporary relief from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, allowing him to contest the move.

Despite the legal battle, the internal disagreements within ODM have continued to simmer, raising questions about the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

Meanwhile, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has indicated that he would stand by Sifuna should the Nairobi senator decide to leave the party.

The declaration further highlights the growing solidarity among members of the Linda Mwananchi faction.