Cracks Emerge in ODM Ahead of Anniversary as Leaders Clash Over Broad-Based Government

By Mbungu Harrison 

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Tensions have flared within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) just weeks before its 20th anniversary celebrations, as top party leaders publicly clashed over support for the broad-based government and the party’s future direction ahead of the 2027 general election.

The storm was sparked by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who suggested that the party should field its own presidential candidate in 2027, a statement that drew sharp criticism from fellow party leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

“Even if we have different opinions, those who are below me should show respect to me,” said Sifuna, expressing frustration at what he termed as disrespect from within the party ranks.

But in a clear show of dissent, former Mombasa Governor and current Cabinet Secretary for Maritime and Blue Economy, Hassan Joho, declared support for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.

“We are in the broad-based government, we will support the president in 2027, but in 2032 we will have our own candidate,” Joho stated, signaling a growing faction within ODM that is backing the Ruto-led administration.

Governor Gladys Wanga, speaking on behalf of party leader Raila Odinga, condemned what she described as rebellion within the party and warned of disciplinary action.

“As a chair, I will crack the whip. Those leaders showing disrespect should be dealt with,” she said, urging party unity while backing the broad-based government.

“We are in full support of the government of President William Ruto, and we support the broad-based government because of development,” she added, calling on local leaders to align with the government for the benefit of their constituents.

Wanga also voiced support for Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who has faced resistance from a section of local MCAs.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed also backed the broad-based government and dismissed Sifuna’s earlier remarks that did not recognize Ruto’s presidency.

“We are in the broad-based government, and we know our president is Ruto. We are in the government, and if our Secretary General doesn’t recognize that, we want to remind him that we are inside the broad-based,” said Junet.

Junet,who accused Sifuna for walking around with other leaders like Mt.Kenya Mp Gathoni Wamuchomba hinted that ODM would soon reorganize itself to make a firm decision regarding the 2027 polls.

“I want to tell Sifuna that he should know ODM is in the broad-based government,and we support that coarse,ODM is in the broad-based government to stay and can’t be swayed by opposing leaders,” he asserted.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamand Nassir, in response, pledged to rally the Coast region behind President Ruto to ensure meaningful development.

“Mombasa will stay in the broad-based government and will continue to support government agendas in the region,” Nassir said.

The ODM at 20 celebration is scheduled for October 10th and 11th in Mombasa. Sifuna downplayed the growing divisions, maintaining that the party remains strong and united.

“ODM is solid, and no amount of pressure can dismantle the party’s unity,” Sifuna said. “The ODM at 20 signifies a fresh, very progressive leadership.”

Sifuna hinted at the possibility of ODM fielding a presidential candidate in 2027 and urged party leaders to respect one another.

“Those leaders who were elected through the party should stay united,” he said, taking a swipe at those he accused of disrespecting Governor Nassir.

Meanwhile, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib raised concerns over land injustices in the Miritini area.

“We are determined to ensure the problem of land injustices is resolved completely,” said Twalib.

Mombasa County Land Executive Director Mohamed Hussein announced that over 1,000 title deeds had been issued to Miritini residents, some of whom had been squatters for decades.

“The land issues should be taken seriously. We are working with all agencies to ensure we resettle our people,” said Hussein.

Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba also emphasized unity among county leaders to fulfill promises made during the previous election.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi urged residents to continue supporting ODM’s agenda in the Coast region.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko rallied the party’s leadership to remain united ahead of the next election cycle.

“We don’t want fearful leaders; we want to remain united as a country, as a nation, and as a people,” said Mboko. She further warned against leaders trying to derail ODM’s development-focused agenda within the broad-based government.

Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed echoed similar sentiments, throwing her weight behind President Ruto’s re-election bid.

“The country has enjoyed relative calm due to the unity brought about by the broad-based government,” she said.

Other leaders present at the event included MPs Beatrice Elachi, Mishi Mboko, Zamzam Mohamed, among other key ODM figures — all reaffirming their support for ODM unity and the government development agenda.

As the party prepares for its milestone anniversary in Mombasa, the internal rifts cast a shadow over celebrations, raising questions about ODM’s path forward in the rapidly shifting political landscape.

The leadership were speaking during the issuance of land title seeds to residents of Jomvu at Miritini on Saturday Sep 13,2025.

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