Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has warned that any attempt to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) would signal a departure from the ideals of the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking during an interview on Herman Manyora’s podcast aired on Friday, March 27, 2026, Kalonzo praised Sifuna, describing him as a leader he respects and one shaped by Raila’s political mentorship.
He said Sifuna had earned Raila’s trust over the years, but claimed that after the former Prime Minister’s death, there have been growing efforts within ODM to push him out.
Kalonzo cautioned that removing Sifuna, together with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, would leave ODM unrecognisable compared to the party Raila built and led for more than two decades.
“If they throw Sifuna out of ODM, my submission is they have thrown out the ideas Raila Odinga had. That’s a different ODM. If people like Osotsi and Babu are thrown out, we know, yes, that is not Raila’s. ODM, it will be a different ODM, maybe a RutoS ODM.”
He said such a move would strip the party of its core values, turning it into what he described as a body without a soul.
Kalonzo also compared Sifuna’s stance to that of Gen Z protesters who carried the Kenyan flag during demonstrations, saying the senator reflects courage and patriotism. He added that if ODM proceeds with his removal, the United Opposition would be ready to work with him, noting that his boldness is needed in leadership.
He further said he is ready to support leaders seen as dissenters within ODM, especially Sifuna, although he pointed out that the Nairobi Senator is already politically grounded.
According to Kalonzo, Sifuna has been shaped by what he termed the “Raila Odinga School of Politics,” meaning he is prepared for bigger leadership roles.
The remarks come after a ruling by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, which declined to hear a case seeking to remove Sifuna as ODM Secretary-General, saying the matter should first go through internal party processes before reaching the courts.
The developments follow decisions made during ODM’s Special Delegates Conference, where several members linked to the Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi faction were removed from key party positions, including Godfrey Osotsi.