Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has accused members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of prioritizing personal political ambitions over the late party leader Raila Odinga’s vision, warning that the party risks losing its founding principles of good governance, justice, and equity.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Thursday, Onyonka said, “Unless we believe that whatever Raila stood for was just a hoax, that it was not genuine, that he literally never believed in any of the things that he told us to believe in — the issues of good governance, the issues of justice, fairness and equity, gender parity…many people think that many of us are in ODM because we just liked the orange colors, absolutely not.”
He emphasized that the party’s support stemmed from ideological commitment to Odinga’s principles rather than mere symbolism.
Onyonka criticized members who are now seeking positions in government, including the deputy presidency, while claiming continued loyalty to ODM.
He described such behavior as “hypocritical,” noting that what was once an unwavering focus on the presidency has been watered down to accepting the vice presidency.
“For them, the most critical thing is for them to be Vice President of the Republic of Kenya. But he’s vacillating. Previously, it was nothing short of the presidency,” he said.
The senator also expressed concern over internal party dynamics, particularly the push by some individuals to assume leadership roles following Odinga’s death.
“There are people who even push the agenda for him to actually be the party leader…because you cannot be a party like ODM and not have structures. Well, if the party leader is no longer there, what do you do after that?” Onyonka asked.
He urged honesty among political actors, warning against using ODM for personal advantage while simultaneously holding onto government positions.
“If you love the government, love it. But be honest about it. Don’t be hypocritical,” he said, noting that some leaders fear that joining ODM fully might compromise their positions in government.
Onyonka’s remarks follow the ouster of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the ODM Secretary General by the party's National Executive Council yesterday highlight growing tensions within ODM as members grapple with succession issues, internal leadership disputes, and the balance between ideological loyalty and political expediency.
In a communication issued after the ODM NEC meeting in Mombasa, ODM stated that the decision was grounded in the party’s constitution and existing legal framework. The leadership pointed to what it termed increasing cases of indiscipline among senior officials.
"The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect. Effectively, Hon. Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected," ODM said in a statement.
Catherine Omanyo, who has been serving as Deputy Secretary General, will now hold the position in an acting role pending the election of a substantive office bearer.
The fallout comes after Sifuna openly faulted certain decisions within the party, among them the elevation of Oburu as party leader. Oburu dismissed the criticism, accusing him of mixing personal opinion with official party policy.
