By The Weekly Vision Team
It appears there’s a concerted effort among key ODM figures close to party leader Raila Odinga to dismiss Secretary General Edwin Sifuna from his powerful post. Insider reports indicate that Mr Odinga and his inner circle are unhappy with Sifuna’s public dissent and criticism of the party’s strategy of working with President William Ruto in the broad-based government.
Political watchers have noted that Sifuna was the first senior ODM member to oppose the appointment of the party’s top leaders to President Ruto’s Cabinet. He was reportedly not informed beforehand about the inclusion of Deputy Party Leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, along with Minority Leaders Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi, into the government, an idea that is said to have fueled his strong opposition to the move.
Insiders suggest Sifuna had aspirations of his own for a cabinet position, that however did not materialize, and his continued attacks on ODM leadership have not been well received by Raila Odinga and his allies. Consequently, his removal from the party seems imminent. Sources indicate plans are in the offing to suspend Sifuna and appoint an interim successor ahead of the party elections next year. If this approach fails, the replacement will likely be postponed until the elections, potentially favouring a candidate from western Kenya.
Commentators are puzzled by Sifuna’s self-sabotaging tactics, especially given his past loyalty to Raila Odinga. Some speculate his criticism might stem from Mr Odinga’s support for Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. Senator Sifuna has avoided confrontation with Sakaja publicly, probably because he still enjoys the backing of ODM MCAs in the Nairobi County Assembly. There’s a concern that Sifuna might not secure the ODM ticket for his seat in 2027, especially if Raila Odinga supports Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi for governor.
The prevailing view is that ODM may limit senatorial and gubernatorial nominations from western Kenya, jeopardizing Sifuna’s chances. Observers are questioning whether Sifuna is intentionally destabilizing ODM in anticipation of aligning himself with another political party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some draw parallels to Cleophas Malala, former Secretary General of UDA, who faced a similar fate after criticizing party leaders. Despite his close ties with President William Ruto, Malala’s vocal opposition led to his ouster from the party’s SG post.
