Controversial political commentator and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has sparked fresh debate within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after alleging that internal divisions in the party are being driven by resistance to the leadership style of Oburu Odinga.
In a strongly worded social media statement, Alai claimed that several senior party figures are distancing themselves from ODM because they can no longer influence decision-making the way they allegedly did during the era of the late Raila Odinga.
According to him, Oburu’s leadership has introduced a new dynamic that some leaders are finding difficult to navigate.
“Oburu is smarter than them. He cannot be manipulated the way they used to do before,” Alai claimed, adding that many grassroots supporters remain firmly behind the current leadership.
His remarks come at a time when ODM is facing growing internal tensions, particularly involving Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
“Oburu is smarter than them. He cannot be manipulated the way they used to do before,” Alai claimed, adding that many grassroots supporters remain firmly behind the current leadership.
His remarks come at a time when ODM is facing growing internal tensions, particularly involving Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Sifuna has openly clashed with sections of the party leadership and recently declared that he would not serve as Secretary-General under Oburu, signaling deep cracks within the party hierarchy.
The fallout follows a controversial move by ODM’s National Executive Committee to remove Sifuna from his influential position earlier this year, a decision that has since fueled parallel camps within the party.
The fallout follows a controversial move by ODM’s National Executive Committee to remove Sifuna from his influential position earlier this year, a decision that has since fueled parallel camps within the party.
While one faction appears to align with Oburu’s leadership, another—led by Sifuna and his allies—has continued to push back, holding separate meetings and claiming to defend the interests of ordinary members.
Alai further suggested that prominent figures such as Siaya Governor James Orengo and others are keeping their distance because they are unable to outmaneuver Oburu politically.
Alai further suggested that prominent figures such as Siaya Governor James Orengo and others are keeping their distance because they are unable to outmaneuver Oburu politically.
He argued that this shift has unsettled individuals who were previously influential in shaping party decisions.
Despite the criticism, Alai maintained that Oburu enjoys strong backing from a significant section of ODM supporters, who appreciate his firm and independent leadership style.
Despite the criticism, Alai maintained that Oburu enjoys strong backing from a significant section of ODM supporters, who appreciate his firm and independent leadership style.
He warned against attempts to undermine him, insisting that such efforts could deepen divisions within the party.
Political analysts say the ongoing public disputes reflect a broader power struggle within ODM as it attempts to reorganize following the death of Raila Odinga and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political analysts say the ongoing public disputes reflect a broader power struggle within ODM as it attempts to reorganize following the death of Raila Odinga and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The absence of Raila, who had long been the party’s unifying figure, appears to have exposed underlying tensions that were previously contained.
Alai’s comments have since triggered mixed reactions online, with some supporting his stance while others accuse him of escalating divisions within the party.
Alai’s comments have since triggered mixed reactions online, with some supporting his stance while others accuse him of escalating divisions within the party.
Critics argue that such public statements risk weakening ODM at a critical time, while supporters view them as a candid reflection of the internal realities.
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