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The Oburu Odinga-led ODM camp is increasingly feeling pressure from internal dissent, as calls for unity grow louder amid a sustained pushback by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Tuesday, February 17, signaled that the party leadership is keen to open dialogue with the two vocal critics, acknowledging the growing unease within ODM ranks. Speaking after meeting Luo elders from Nairobi County, Mbadi said the party was ready to listen to Sifuna and Babu’s reasons for charting what appears to be a separate political path from the one endorsed by ODM’s top brass.

“It is clear they are uncomfortable with the idea of working with President William Ruto. But we want them to come forward and explain their position. If not Ruto, then who? Let them convince us instead of issuing disjointed statements that only heighten tension,” Mbadi said.

His remarks underscore mounting anxiety within sections of #ODM as the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ movement, spearheaded by Sifuna and Babu, continues to pile pressure on the party to withdraw from its cooperation agreement with UDA.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also weighed in, urging Sifuna to tone down his confrontational stance and return to the negotiating table. She emphasized the need for internal dialogue to prevent further cracks within the party.

Mbadi, backed by Luo elders, cautioned against a return to street protests, noting that the community had previously paid a heavy price. He further urged dissenters to emulate the late Raila Odinga, whose political legacy, he said, was defined by strategic dialogue and sacrifice for the broader good.

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As ODM grapples with the rebellion, calls are also emerging for structured talks with President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections – signaling a party leadership keen to steady the ship amid rising internal heat.