Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is facing mounting pressure to resign from his position as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The heat follows a historical “jinxed” pattern where the SG seat has become a source of friction between the party’s younger leaders and its veteran establishment.
Historically, the ODM SG seat has been a flashpoint for fallout. From Anyang’ Nyong’o and Ababu Namwamba to Agnes Zani, previous occupants often left the post under a cloud of internal rebellion or direct clashes with party leadership.
A faction of the party, primarily from Nyanza, is reportedly pushing for Sifuna’s exit. They argue that his dual role as a high-profile Senator and party spokesperson is creating a conflict of interest, especially as the party navigates the United Opposition dynamics.
With Raila Odinga increasingly focused on continental roles, a “new guard” vs. “old guard” war has erupted. Critics claim Sifuna is using the SG seat to position himself for the Nairobi Gubernatorial race in 2027, rather than focusing on grassroots party strengthening.
Much like his predecessor Ababu Namwamba, Sifuna is being accused of being “too independent” and occasionally clashing with the party’s inner circle over the direction of the 2027 election strategy.
As of today, Sifuna remains defiant, dismissing the calls for his resignation as the work of “political busybodies.” However, with the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) scheduled to meet soon to discuss electoral reforms, his tenure is under the most significant threat since he took office.
By Anthony Solly
