The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing the challenge of maintaining its political dominance in Western Kenya following the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary-General.
Sifuna, who is aligned with the Linda Mwananchi faction, was also dismissed this week from his position as Senate Minority Leader.
His removal came months after Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was ousted as ODM Deputy Party Leader in May. The two had emerged as the party’s most prominent leaders in Western Kenya after former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya joined President William Ruto’s Cabinet in July 2024.
During the late Raila Odinga’s political career, Western Kenya remained one of ODM’s strongest support bases. The party dominated politics in Busia, Vihiga, and Kakamega counties, while Ford Kenya remained the dominant force in neighbouring Bungoma County.
In the 2022 General Election, Raila Odinga comfortably defeated President Ruto in Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Busia counties, losing only in Bungoma.
ODM also secured 10 of the 12 parliamentary seats in Kakamega County, in addition to winning the governorship and the Woman Representative seat. In Vihiga, the party captured both the governorship and Senate seats, while in Busia it won four of the seven parliamentary seats, as well as the governor and Woman Representative positions. The party also clinched the Saboti parliamentary seat in Trans Nzoia County.
However, following the removal of Sifuna and Osotsi from senior party positions, political observers say ODM appears to be losing some of its influence in the region.
Speaking on Thursday while launching the nationwide Linda Mwananchi political campaign alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo, Sifuna claimed ODM had lost its independence.
“Sadly, ODM has reached a point where decisions affecting the party and its members are no longer made at Orange House. The decisions, including the one that removed me as Senate Minority Leader, were made at State House in Nairobi,” Sifuna said.
He further revealed that several long-serving allies of the late Raila Odinga had chosen to work under the Linda Mwananchi movement.
“We spent many years working to achieve Raila’s dream. The party’s grassroots support has weakened because of the selfish interests of some leaders after Raila’s death,” he added.
Sifuna’s remarks have fuelled speculation that ODM is in decline and that he could soon join a new political party.
In Western Kenya, Sifuna is expected to be installed as the spokesperson for the Mulembe community during a ceremony scheduled for July 26 at Posta Grounds in Bungoma County.
The event has stirred political tensions in Bungoma, especially after reports emerged that Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa had planned a separate rally in nearby Musikoma, only a few kilometres away. Barasa, who has had a long-running political rivalry with Sifuna, later announced that his meeting would not take place.
Before the Bungoma event, Sifuna is expected to tour neighbouring Trans Nzoia County alongside Linda Mwananchi leaders as they continue mobilising support for their political agenda.
Sifuna’s growing influence has increasingly overshadowed ODM in Western Kenya, with some party leaders reportedly facing hostile receptions at public gatherings and funerals whenever they criticise the Nairobi senator.
Despite the political turbulence, Kakamega Governor and ODM County Chairman Fernandes Barasa insists the party remains firmly rooted in the region.
“We have continued holding meetings and receiving overwhelming support. Those claiming ODM has lost popularity will be surprised when the party wins the majority of seats here. One person leaving the party does not mean everyone else has followed,” Barasa said.
Political analyst Lumala Masibo believes the absence of Raila Odinga, coupled with the sidelining of Sifuna and Osotsi, has left ODM with an uphill battle to preserve its dominance in Western Kenya.
“The treatment of Sifuna and Osotsi has created the perception that the current ODM leadership no longer values the support the party has historically enjoyed in Western Kenya. Many people also believe this is Nyanza’s opportunity to reciprocate by supporting Sifuna,” Masibo said.
Despite the internal divisions, a recent Infotrak opinion poll released this week ranked ODM as the most popular political party in Western Kenya, with a 32 percent approval rating.
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