ODM MP Tells Edwin Sifuna Babu Owino Is Misleading Him: “Hautapata Heshima”

ODM MP Tells Edwin Sifuna Babu Owino Is Misleading Him: “Hautapata Heshima”

Rangwe Member of Parliament Lilian Gogo has sharply criticised Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of disrespecting party leadership and urging him to pursue further education to strengthen his leadership approach.

Speaking after a church service in Muhoroni, Kisumu County, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator alleged that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was misleading Sifuna, particularly in his recent political positions and public statements.

The remarks come amid growing internal tensions within Orange Democratic Movement, with divisions emerging over policy direction and leadership conduct. Sifuna and Owino are among leaders associated with the “Linda Mwananchi” initiative, a faction within the party that has recently distanced itself from certain ODM activities, citing ideological differences.

“Sifuna, you are being misled by Babu Owino… I would like to advise my friend, Sifuna, to go back to school; that is when he will be humble and respect his fellow leaders,” Gogo said.

She further claimed that additional academic exposure would help the Nairobi senator develop greater humility and respect for both party leadership and national institutions.

Gogo accused Sifuna of adopting a confrontational political style, particularly in his criticism of President William Ruto, warning that such an approach could undermine his political ambitions.

“You have the audacity to go to the streets and chest-thump… He must respect the leadership of the ODM party and President William Ruto. You must have respect,” she stated.

The lawmaker argued that leadership requires mutual respect, adding that aspiring national leaders must demonstrate decorum in their engagement with both allies and opponents.

“Because if you have presidential ambitions… you will expect to be respected, and if you do not respect the current regime, you will also not be respected,” Gogo added.

Her comments also extended to Sifuna’s recent remarks in which he criticised elements within the ODM leadership, describing them as “mediocre,” a statement that has drawn backlash from several party members.

The unfolding dispute highlights widening cracks within ODM, one of Kenya’s leading opposition parties founded by veteran politician Raila Odinga. The disagreements have raised concerns about party cohesion ahead of future political contests.

In a related development, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga has issued a show-cause letter to Sifuna, demanding an explanation over alleged misconduct. The party has accused him of repeatedly contradicting official positions despite participating in meetings where such resolutions were adopted.

Sifuna has been asked to submit a written response and is expected to appear before a disciplinary panel for further deliberations.

While Sifuna has yet to publicly respond to Gogo’s latest remarks, the escalating exchanges underscore growing tensions within the party’s leadership ranks, particularly between established figures and emerging voices pushing for reform.

Political analysts note that the dispute reflects broader debates within ODM about its future direction, internal democracy, and engagement strategy with the current administration.

As the situation unfolds, attention is likely to focus on how the party manages internal dissent while maintaining unity, especially as Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve.

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ODM MP Tells Edwin Sifuna Babu Owino Is Misleading Him: “Hautapata Heshima”