Philip Etale, Communications Director, ODM, says the party is navigating internal rivalries but will ultimately reconcile.
He is urging members to rise above disputes and come together, likening the process to the prodigal son returning home to restore unity and strengthen the movement’s future.
In an interview with Radio Generation on Wednesday, Etale described ODM not just as a political party but as a broad movement that must be protected.
He compared it to a large house with many rooms, where disagreements are inevitable, especially after the passing of the party’s founder.
“In a big house where there are many rooms, there's bound to be such kind of sibling rivalry,” he said. He noted that members often compete for attention, but reminded them that the party is a shared home with no alternative.
ODM rival factions have escalated their power struggle, shifting the contest to the control of political bases long associated with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga (deceased).
With the broader opposition also digging in, Raila’s traditional strongholds are now bracing for an influx of political activity, including the possible emergence of new parties targeting elective seats beyond the presidency.
Within ODM, the camps led by party leader Oburu Oginga and embattled secretary general Edwin Sifuna have gone all out in the battle to inherit Raila’s political turf.
Going further, Etale said the ongoing conflicts are largely driven by individuals seeking recognition rather than deep-seated disagreements.
“What is the main fight like? What is the bone of contention? You see, I wouldn't say much about this, but what I believe is, just as I said, it's attention seeking,” he explained. He emphasized that the infighting could tarnish the image of the late founder more than it affects the party itself, and called for reason and dialogue to prevail.
Recalling his personal relationship with the party’s founder, Etale underscored the importance of preserving the legacy.
“Dad used to confide a lot in me than he did to you. You see, so that kind of rivalry is what we are seeing playing out in our political party called ODM,” he said. Despite the tension, he expressed confidence that members would eventually recognize their shared purpose and work toward reconciliation.
Etale used the biblical story of the prodigal son to illustrate his point, highlighting that even those who have strayed from the party will ultimately return.
“He went back home, and the family accepted him back… This is a home. This is a moment that will not let anyone go, but will let other people come in,” he said. He stressed that while some may leave, the sense of unity and belonging within ODM will ensure that members come back together.
With internal rivalries acknowledged but reconciliation emphasized, Etale’s message is clear that ODM must rise above personal disputes to honor its founder’s legacy and ensure the party remains a strong, united movement.
