Tensions have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following a public exchange between Millie Odhiambo and Catherine Omanyo over the political positioning of Edwin Sifuna.
In an interview on April 29, Omanyo said Millie Odhiambo has taken a neutral stance despite ongoing issues within ODM. She alleged that Odhiambo has been “sitting on the fence” while internal party disagreements continue.
She further claimed that Odhiambo suggested ODM mistreated Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, indicating that she may be indirectly favoring one side in the dispute.
“Millie Odhiambo, whom I looked up to in politics, has sat on the fence when so many things are happening in ODM; she is sitting on the fence. She said ODM mistreated Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. In her heart, somehow, she is picking a side,” she said.
Omanyo criticized Odhiambo’s remarks, saying she should not publicly take positions that could deepen divisions within the party.
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Additionally, she stated that, as a lawyer, Millie Odhiambo should instead engage Sifuna privately and encourage internal resolution of grievances within ODM rather than escalating public disagreements.
“She should be the last person to speak like that to show that she cares. If she cares so much and she is a lawyer, she should have a sit-down with her fellow lawyer Sifuna and urge him to try and solve issues internally if there is something that does not please him with ODM, and not to bring confusion,” Omanyo stated.
Millie Odhiambo Fires Back at Omanyo’s Claims, Alleges Goons Attack Amid Sifuna Rift
In a statement on the same day, Millie Odhiambo responded to claims about her role in internal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) discussions, defending her involvement in efforts to ease tensions within the party.
She stated that she had held multiple meetings with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, alongside MP Otiende Amollo and other senior party figures, to foster dialogue and reconciliation.
According to her account, additional consultations were held with other party leaders at Linda Ground as part of broader efforts to resolve emerging internal disagreements.
“I did sit with Hon Sifuna as suggested- more than once. Together with Hon Otiende and others, we attempted diplomacy and reconciliation. I spoke to other senior party members in Linda Ground,” she said.
She explained that arrangements had been made for a structured engagement ahead of a Central Committee meeting in Kilifi to address outstanding issues within the party.
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Odhiambo alleged that the planned meeting did not proceed as intended after disruptions involving individuals she described as goons, who were initially targeting Sifuna.
“We were to have a sitting before the Central Committee meeting in Kilifi. Instead, goons came to attack Sifuna but turned their anger on me when they realized Sifuna was not there,” she stated.
She further claimed that when Sifuna was absent, she became the target of the confrontation, linking the incident to resistance to efforts to mediate between the parties.
Odhiambo maintained that her position has consistently supported internal resolution mechanisms and rejected suggestions that she has been selectively aligned in the dispute.
