Busia County has now overtaken all other regions as the strongest political base of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has revealed.
Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi rally held in the county on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Sifuna said ODM’s influence has significantly expanded beyond its traditional strongholds in the Nyanza region.
According to the Nairobi senator, Busia has more registered ODM members than long-time party bastions such as Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori.
He explained that this dominance is the main reason the party chose Busia as the starting point for its grassroots political mobilization.
Sifuna also addressed claims that he has been acting against party directives, particularly amid speculation over a possible ODM–UDA pre-election deal.
He maintained that his political position mirrors the wishes of ODM supporters on the ground and stated that he would only change course if officially directed by the party.
The ODM Secretary-General defended his stance by pointing to the party’s founding principles, noting that ODM has always stood for truth, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ interests—even when doing so puts it at odds with those in power.
Beyond party politics, Sifuna took aim at the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of inconsistent policies and failing to address the escalating cost of living.
He specifically cited the ongoing Grade 10 school uniform crisis, saying parents are under immense pressure due to high costs and unclear government guidelines.
“The uniform issue reflects poor planning. Parents are being asked to pay heavily, yet there is no clear effort by the government to make uniforms affordable. As a result, some children are attending school without proper uniforms,” Sifuna said.
As political temperatures continue to rise, attention now turns to how ODM’s growing influence in Busia will shape the party’s strategy ahead of the next election cycle.
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