Sifuna breaks silence after ODM shake up

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has spoken publicly for the first time since his removal as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement, accusing party elder Oburu Odinga of stripping him of all the responsibilities he had been entrusted with by party leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking to supporters in Kisumu, Sifuna said he was not bitter about the changes within ODM, but expressed confidence that the people of Kenya would give him back the political platform he lost.

"Oburu Odinga has taken away all the positions that Baba gave me. But I know that Kenyans will return them to me in 2027," Sifuna told a charged crowd, drawing cheers and chants from those gathered.

The remarks come days after ODM announced changes to its top leadership, a move that saw Sifuna exit the Secretary General position he had held since 2018.

The Orange Democratic Movement, one of Kenya’s largest political parties, recently undertook internal reorganizations aimed at repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 General Election. As part of that process, the party’s National Executive Council made changes to several key offices, including the Secretary General’s seat.

Sifuna, who is also the elected Senator for Nairobi, had served as ODM SG for close to seven years. During that period he was the public face of the party in media briefings, rallies, and grassroots mobilization drives. He was closely associated with Raila Odinga, popularly referred to as "Baba" by supporters, and was often described as one of the fiercest defenders of the party’s agenda.

His removal was therefore seen by many within the ODM base as a significant shift. While the party has not given extensive public details on the reasons behind the changes, party officials have maintained that the reorganization is about unity, renewal, and preparing the party machinery for upcoming political contests.

In Kisumu, the political heartland of ODM, Sifuna did not hold back. Addressing residents, he directly named Oburu Odinga, Raila Odinga’s elder brother and the current ODM National Chairman, as the person behind his political demotion within the party structures.

According to Sifuna, Oburu has systematically taken over all the roles and mandates that had been assigned to him by Raila. He did not specify which exact duties he was referring to, but in ODM the Secretary General traditionally oversees party operations, membership, elections, and communication.

"Let me be clear. Everything that Baba gave me, Oburu has taken away," Sifuna said. "But that is okay. I am not fighting individuals. I am here to serve the people."

The Senator went on to say that despite the setback, he remains loyal to the ideals of ODM and to the vision of Raila Odinga. He, however, drew a line between the party and its leadership, suggesting that decisions made by a few individuals should not be confused with the will of the party membership.

The most striking part of Sifuna’s address was his declaration about the future. Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he expressed unwavering faith in Kenyan voters.

"I know Kenyans. I know that in 2027, the same people will return to me what has been taken away," he stated.

The comment was widely interpreted as a signal that Sifuna intends to remain active in national politics and may seek a bigger mandate beyond Nairobi. While he did not specify what position he is eyeing in 2027, his tone suggested he is already preparing for the next electoral cycle.

Political analysts note that Sifuna remains popular among ODM’s youthful base, particularly in urban centers. His direct style of communication and willingness to criticize government policies have earned him a strong following on social media and in public forums.

By framing his removal as a temporary setback that voters will correct, Sifuna appears to be positioning himself as a politician who derives legitimacy directly from the people, rather than from party appointments.

Sifuna’s remarks have added to speculation about internal dynamics within ODM. The party has for months been navigating a delicate balance between being in a working arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza government and maintaining its identity as an opposition party.

Oburu Odinga, as National Chairman, has taken on a more visible role in party affairs in recent months, especially as Raila Odinga has been engaged in continental duties as AU High Representative for Infrastructure. That shift has led to questions about who is calling the shots within ODM at the grassroots level.

While there is no official statement from Oburu responding to Sifuna’s claims, sources within the party say the leadership changes were a collective decision meant to streamline operations and bring in new energy.

Other senior ODM leaders have urged members to remain united and avoid public spats that could weaken the party ahead of 2027. They argue that internal disagreements are normal in any big political party and should be resolved through party structures.

With the next General Election just over a year away, ODM is under pressure to present a united front. The party is expected to play a central role in shaping the opposition narrative and in mobilizing voters.

Sifuna’s exit from the SG office does not mean he is leaving ODM. As an elected Senator, he remains a key party figure and a member of the Senate. However, losing a top party administrative role means he will have less influence over party nominations, strategy, and messaging.

His decision to speak out publicly, rather than keep the matter internal, suggests he wants his supporters to understand his side of the story. It also puts pressure on the party leadership to explain the rationale behind the changes more clearly to the base.

For Oburu Odinga, the comments place him in the spotlight as the new face of party management. How he handles dissent and how inclusive the new leadership structure will be are questions that will likely define ODM’s internal cohesion in the coming months.

For now, Sifuna says his focus remains on serving Nairobi residents in the Senate. But his 2027 remarks make it clear he is not stepping away from national politics.

"Politics is about the people," he told the Kisumu crowd. "Positions come and go. What matters is whether you are still standing with the people when it matters."

Whether that translates into a new role in 2027 remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the conversation inside ODM about leadership, loyalty, and the future of the party is far from over.

As the party reorganizes, all eyes will be on how it manages internal differences while preparing to face voters again.