Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga has dismissed reports claiming that Edwin Sifuna, the party’s Secretary General, has been removed from his position.
Speaking on Tuesday, October 28, Oburu affirmed that Sifuna remains a key member of the ODM leadership and will continue serving in his role as the party reorganizes following the passing of Raila Odinga.
“Sifuna is the one who read out our party resolutions after our meeting. I have spoken to him, and he has no problem. He is with us,” Oburu clarified.
The Siaya Senator, who recently assumed the position of acting party leader, said he had already spoken to Sifuna and received his assurance of cooperation and loyalty.
Oburu acknowledged Sifuna’s outspoken nature, especially when criticizing the broad-based government formed between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA, but insisted that such conduct did not warrant any disciplinary action.
“As a young leader, sometimes he may go a little overboard, but he’s still one of us. There’s nothing he has done that deserves expulsion. If he errs, we’ll correct him internally, not chase him away,” Oburu added.
His remarks came amid growing calls from a section of ODM members, particularly from Luo Nyanza, demanding Sifuna’s removal, accusing him of being divisive within the party ranks.
The calls intensified after Raila’s death, despite Sifuna’s insistence that his stance on the government had been made with Raila’s full knowledge and approval.
Sifuna has consistently maintained that one of Raila’s final wishes was for ODM to front a strong presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, even as the party remains part of the unity government until then.
Interestingly, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, a close ally of President Ruto, backed Sifuna’s continued leadership in ODM following his recent declaration of support for the coalition arrangement.
“Well done, Sifuna, for reaffirming loyalty to ODM and the broad-based government led by President Ruto in honour of Raila Odinga. Your Secretary General position is now secure,” Cherargei stated.