Edwin Sifuna’s once-bright political star has dimmed, ending a decade-long journey through the upper echelons of the Orange Democratic Movement. From a bold challenger in party offices to a trusted lieutenant of Raila Odinga, the Nairobi Senator’s trajectory now concludes with his dramatic ouster as Secretary General.
For eight years, Sifuna was a central figure in ODM, known for his outspoken style and fierce loyalty to Raila. But the former party leader’s death last October created a vacuum that exposed divisions within the party and left Sifuna increasingly isolated. His grief was public and raw, captured on the flight that transported Raila’s body from India, signaling the start of a political decline many observers now see as inevitable.
Born in Kakamega County, Edwin Watenya Sifuna entered ODM politics with ambition and boldness. His first major public act came in June 2016 when he stormed the party offices in Nairobi, declaring himself Secretary General in defiance of Ababu Namwamba.
“We are taking a position that has been vacant. That is why we are here today. From today, I am the Secretary General of ODM,” Sifuna stated.
“There’s something called absence without leave, even in military parlance. A junior officer has the right to relieve his commander of his command, even a general, if he deserts his post.”
Despite an unsuccessful attempt at the Kanduyi Parliamentary seat in 2017, followed by a loss in the Nairobi Senate race to Johnson Sakaja the same year, Sifuna remained close to Raila, solidifying his reputation as a dependable strategist and communicator. His persistence paid off in 2018 when he was elected substantive Secretary General during the National Delegates Convention at Kasarani Gymnasium, a position he would hold for nearly eight years.
ODM SG and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna speaks on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show on February 3, 2026.PHOTO/HANDOUTSifuna’s political fortunes improved in 2022 when he won the Nairobi Senate seat and took up the role of Deputy Minority Whip. However, cracks began to appear after the 2024 handshake between Raila and President William Ruto, which resulted in five ODM leaders joining the Cabinet. Sifuna was uneasy with this development and later openly criticised the ODM-UDA agreement signed in March, describing it as political theatre.
“I don’t recognise this thing called broad-based,” he remarked.
During this period, Raila often defended Sifuna, emphasizing the importance of internal debate and dialogue.
“Sifuna is the mouthpiece of the party. Kila mtu aongee,” Odinga said on July 25, 2025, in Kakamega.
Raila’s death shifted the internal balance of ODM. A line was drawn between those endorsing the broad-based government approach and leaders resisting it, a division that became clear during Raila’s funeral in Bondo, Siaya County.
“Baba left us in broad-based,” said ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga.
Sifuna countered: “Raila’s last instruction was for us to be in ODM.”
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.PHOTO/HANDOUTThe divide deepened as rival factions launched competing campaigns, including Oburu’s Linda Ground rallies and the youth-led Linda Mwananchi initiative. Calls for Sifuna’s removal intensified, culminating last week in comments from former ODM chairperson and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi:
“If someone does not want to agree with ODM policies, that person should be left to go so that we know how many people he is leaving with,” Mbadi said.
On Wednesday in Mombasa, ODM announced the removal of Sifuna as Secretary General and appointed Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo as his replacement. Sifuna has not yet issued a formal statement but posted a cryptic message hinting at a future Linda Mwananchi rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County.
“It is not anybody’s birthright to be an SG in ODM. It is okay I will still be a member of ODM,” he had stated previously.
Sifuna’s removal signals the end of a tumultuous chapter for a politician whose rise was shaped by bold actions, personal loyalty, and public defiance. As ODM adjusts to a post-Raila era, the Nairobi Senator’s next moves may determine whether he can remain a significant force within the party.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.PHOTO/HANDOUT
