Siaya Governor James Orengo has come to the defence of ODM
Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, describing him as a vital pillar in the party’s
leadership and warning that his departure would be a major setback.
Speaking on Wednesday, Orengo praised Sifuna’s dynamism and
influence within the Orange Democratic Movement, noting that few political
parties in Kenya could boast of equally recognizable and effective leadership.
He described Sifuna as a wonderful individual.
“In terms of all these parties, I think ODM has got a secretary-general,”
Orengo said on Nation FM.
“If you ask, who’s the secretary-general of these other
parties, it will take a lot of time to remember who they are. He’s a wonderful
individual, and it would be a great loss not to have Edwin Sifuna as the
Secretary-General, and that’s how dynamic the party is.”
Orengo, a long-time ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, further
emphasized that ODM’s strength lies in its openness and internal democracy.
He dismissed claims that the party operates as a personality
cult, insisting it remains a platform where leaders can express independent
opinions.
“ODM is not a party that belongs to the praise-and-worship
kind of formation. We have got elements that can speak truth to power as much
as we are part of government, even though not structurally.”
His remarks come amid heightened political discussions
within ODM over the party’s direction and internal unity ahead of the 2027
elections.
Sifuna, who also serves as the Nairobi Senator, has been
vocal on national issues, often articulating ODM’s position with firmness and
wit, qualities Orengo suggested make him indispensable to the party’s continued
vibrancy.
Orengo’s defense appeared aimed at quelling speculation
about rifts within ODM’s top ranks, reinforcing the message that the party
remains cohesive and guided by strong, capable leadership.
While ODM has a working arrangement with the ruling United
Democratic Alliance (UDA) until 2027, Sifuna is among the leaders from within the
party who actively play anti-government politics.
In many instances, he has disagreed with public positions
taken by other leaders from the within the party, including those seen as close
confidants of party leader Raila Odinga.
“Baba told me that even after we donated our experts to the
government, ODM is not in government. He said it himself,” Sifuna said,
referring to ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
“If ODM is not in government, the secretary general of ODM
cannot be in government.”
Sifuna emphasised that while the party remains committed to
national interests, it has not relinquished its ambition to lead the country.
“All political parties are interested in ascending to
power,” he added, underscoring that his loyalty lies solely with Raila.
