Addressing the issue, ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga clarified that Sifuna’s absence was not deliberate and had been formally communicated to the party leadership.
According to Oburu, the Nairobi senator failed to attend the meeting after missing his scheduled flight.
“Sifuna sent his apologies for this meeting. He missed his flight and therefore was unable to attend.
He had the permission of the party to be away,” Oburu told the press while reading the committee’s resolutions.
The meeting, which brought together top ODM leadership, was convened to discuss the party’s strategic direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna’s absence had fueled speculation of deepening divisions within the party, especially given his recent public criticism of President William Ruto and sections of the political establishment.
Oburu, however, sought to downplay the speculation, insisting that there was no disciplinary issue or rebellion involved.
He noted that the party leadership had received and accepted Sifuna’s apology, describing the matter as purely logistical rather than political.
The party leader also revealed that Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi was absent for similar reasons, as he was out of the country on official travel and had equally sent his apologies.
Despite the high-profile absences, Oburu maintained that the meeting was valid and productive, urging party members and supporters to avoid reading political meaning into the situation.
Sifuna’s absence nonetheless comes at a time when ODM is grappling with internal debates over its future alliances and leadership cohesion, placing increased public scrutiny on the conduct and unity of its top officials.