Unable to take criticism, ODM kicks out Sifuna as spokesman

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, one of the boldest voices in the party, who questioned the opaque move by a section of the party leadership to begin talks with President William Ruto, has been sacrificed by the faction allied to party leader Oburu Odinga, who chaired a National Executive Committee meeting yesterday that resolved to relieve him of his position.

Sifuna has been bold and unapologetic over his decision to oppose the endorsement by a section of leaders to support President Ruto’s 2027 bid, declaring that the party will field its own presidential candidate. He has also questioned the talks with UDA and maintained that the party had not entered into a deal with Ruto’s party regarding his re-election.

He is among the voices that have demanded the full implementation of the 10-point agenda agreed between former party leader Raila Odinga and Ruto before Raila’s death. It focused on public interest issues and was founded on the values of good governance.

Unbowed, Sifuna has now released the itinerary for his Linda Mwananchi team, which is expected to hold a rally in Kitengela on Sunday to respond to his ouster.

Speakers listed by Sifuna include Governor James Orengo, Babu Owino, Godfrey Osotsi, Richard Onyonka, Omondi Caroli, Barongo Obadiah and Gisairo Clive.

Also on the tour will be Antony Kibagendi, Brian Weke, Erick Mogeni, Wanami Wamboka, Caleb Amisi, Majimbo Kalasinga, Patrick Makau, Joshua Kimilu, Wilberforce Oundo and Danson Mwashako.

The fiery senator also boasts significant support among several ODM supporters and leaders.

Among those who have been rallying support for him are Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, among others.

A source who attended the meeting told The Standard that Ruth is among those who were advocating for the party not to dismiss members. Efforts to reach her were, however, futile.

The dream of the late former ODM leader of reuniting warring factions and bolstering the party’s support has suffered a huge blow after the committee’s decision caused reverberations within the party.

The removal of long-serving Sifuna adds another layer to ODM’s woes and is expected to deepen the cracks within the party — though not in the eyes of Oburu and his allies.

In a day that Oburu displayed what critics termed double-speak, walking back on some of the positions previously advanced in public rallies, the party leadership demonstrated what some believed was an attempt to sideline those questioning his pre-election deal with Ruto.

Oburu’s wrath

In this pursuit, not even figures Raila had sought to protect publicly appear safe from Oburu’s wrath, as he moves to rebuild the party amid growing divisions, trampling critics and perceived rebels.

Sifuna’s ouster allows Oburu to retain firm control of ODM leadership as he seeks to consolidate loyalists ahead of the 2027 elections. However, judging from negative reactions among some party supporters, he faces a significant task.

Winnie Odinga, a critical voice in the party, posted on her social media pages: “It is not well,” with the orange background signifying ODM.

In Western Kenya, where regional balance reportedly influenced the decision to pick Catherine Omanyo to replace Sifuna, supporters claimed ODM had effectively signed its exit form from the region.

To them, the vibrancy Sifuna brought to the party and his political standing are nearly irreplaceable.

The Standard established that the decision to settle on Omanyo came after members of the council clashed over proposed replacements, including Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina.

Yesterday, as Oburu’s allies celebrated Sifuna’s removal, others claimed the party had driven another nail into its political coffin. They expect Sifuna and his allies to fight back, arguing that the party has become unattractive and will be a hard sell in several areas, especially Western and Nairobi.

The Standard also established that Sifuna’s removal unsettled several NEC members, who remained divided over its implications.

A source who attended the meeting said some members suggested an alternative disciplinary process to compel him to toe the party line.

“It was tough, but most members resolved to remove him from his position. He may be removed entirely from the party during the National Delegates Convention if he does not change his rhetoric,” said an MP who attended the meeting.

The MP said intense lobbying to remove Sifuna had  peaked last week and that several members had agreed beforehand that he was to be ousted.

They claimed his remarks were hurting ODM and weakening its bargaining power with President Ruto over the proposed pre-election coalition.

Last weekend, Sifuna intensified his criticism of Oburu and his faction. Speaking during the party’s first-ever Linda Mwananchi rally at Busia Stadium, the Sifuna-led group accused Oburu of advancing dictatorial leadership and sidelining dissenting voices opposed to cooperation with UDA.

The rally brought together a section of senior ODM leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and several grassroots mobilisers from the Western region.

Addressing supporters, Sifuna faulted the party’s top leadership for what he termed a “reckless rush” to lock ODM into a political arrangement lacking clarity and grassroots endorsement.

He argued that the cooperation agreement previously signed between Raila Odinga and President Ruto did not commit the party to any re-election pact or power-sharing deal ahead of 2027.

“We cannot mortgage the future of ODM for short-term political convenience. The agreement signed did not surrender our independence, nor did it bind us to support President Ruto in the next election. If he cannot honour the pact signed by Raila, then there is nothing he can fulfil, even if a few people are hurriedly yawning for a pact. I will not let anyone sign an extension of the current pact with Ruto,” Sifuna said.

News of Sifuna’s ouster was received with anger and disbelief in parts of Western Kenya, widely viewed as his political backyard and where he is considered one of the region’s most articulate voices within ODM.

In Kakamega, Vihiga and Busia counties, leaders and supporters described the move as “targeted” and “tribal”.

Kennedy Amiani, an opinion leader from Kakamega, warned that the decision could trigger a mass political shift.

Mulembe nation

“We are happy as the Mulembe Nation that finally the battle lines have been drawn. Now, as a region, we activate the grand plan of fully abandoning ODM,” said Amiani.

In Vihiga County, home to ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, tension simmered as party supporters awaited direction from their leaders. Osotsi, a close ally of Sifuna, had earlier been put on notice by sections of the party over his stance on Oburu’s decision.

Reached for comment, Osostsi said: “We are in a strategy meeting. Expect a comprehensive response tomorrow.”

Residents gathered in small groups in Chavakali and Mbale, discussing the implications.

“We are waiting for Senator Osotsi to speak. We cannot remain in a party where our leaders are being humiliated,” said Fredrick Kiviasi, an ODM supporter.

Political analyst David Owino noted that Western Kenya’s contribution to ODM’s survival and national stature cannot be understated.

“Western has been the backbone of ODM’s numbers in successive elections. Beyond votes, the region has provided legitimacy and grassroots mobilisation structures,” Owino said.

Sifuna, Osotsi, Owino and a section of party leaders recently launched the “Linda Mwananchi” tours, which kicked off in Busia County last Sunday and are set for Kitengela this coming Sunday.

The initiative was framed as a people-centred campaign to defend constitutionalism and address the high cost of living. However, critics within ODM view the tours as premature and potentially divisive, accusing the organisers of undermining the party’s central leadership.