Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is now facing backlash from a group of Kisumu youth who support President William Ruto.
The young leaders, under the Kisumu 2TAM Youth Movement, have openly demanded Sifuna’s removal from his powerful party position, accusing him of making statements that contradict the spirit of unity between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The youth claim that Sifuna has been issuing divisive remarks that go against the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ODM, led by Raila Odinga, and President Ruto’s government. According to them, Sifuna’s recent behavior shows that he’s not aligned with the current political direction, and they believe it’s time for him to step down.
“If you want to work with the government, then do so wholeheartedly. If you’re leaning toward the opposition, then go join Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” one youth leader declared. “And if you’re tired of serving as ODM Secretary General, step aside — someone else will take the role and run with it,” another leader added.
These fiery remarks came during a press briefing in Kisumu on July 23, 2025. The youth, who were chanting in support of President Ruto and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, accused Sifuna of targeting certain ODM leaders unfairly, while ignoring others — particularly those from the Western region, his own backyard.
“Why does Sifuna constantly invoke Raila Odinga’s name yet never defends other leaders from his region?” one speaker questioned. They also said his public criticism of President Ruto shows a lack of respect for the presidency and undermines national unity.
They further argued that as ODM Secretary General, Sifuna should be defending President Ruto — not attacking him — especially now that ODM has a working understanding with the government. Instead, they believe he’s adding fuel to political divisions at a time when unity is needed most.
Their anger was sparked by Sifuna’s recent interview on Citizen TV, where he admitted that ODM is currently struggling with internal disagreements and mixed messaging. He confessed that the party seems confused, which has made it harder for both ODM members and the general public to understand its stance on key national issues.
“There was a time it was easy to be ODM Secretary General,” Sifuna said during the interview. “Even if someone woke me up at midnight, I could clearly articulate the party’s values and position because we were united and consistent. Today, we’ve lost that clarity.”
Despite the criticism, Sifuna maintained that he is open to stepping down, but only if the person who appointed him — presumably Raila Odinga — personally asks him to resign. Until then, he says he will continue fulfilling his responsibilities to the best of his ability.
The growing tension around Sifuna’s leadership now raises bigger questions about ODM’s direction and internal cohesion, especially as the political landscape continues to shift in Kenya.
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