By Anderson Ojwang
The Orange Democratic Movement party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, could have failed to effectively apply the common phrase “strike the rod while it is still hot” in his fight with the immediate former Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
The decision by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to effect the sacking of the Nairobi Senator as ODM Secretary General came too little too late in the battle.
The decision will not have any change on the litmus paper but instead trigger a political moment not only in the party but within the Luhya community and nationally.
In a letter dated 9th July 2026 signed by J.C. Lorionokou, effecting the removal of Sifuna as Secretary General to have been in line with the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution, the Sifuna political train had already left the station.
“Upon the review of the documents submitted by the party and lack of response from Sifuna, we note that the removal of the Secretary General was in line with the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution. This office has effected the change and updated the party records,” it read in parts.
Strike when the rod is hot
Dr Oburu’s faction failed to hit the rod while it was still hot and allowed it to cool down. And now there is no turning back, as on Sunday July 26th, Sifuna will have a homecoming rally at the historic Posta Ground in Bungoma, where the community will bless him to seek the presidency. A new chapter and a new vehicle.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, on Monday after a 10-hour meeting, announced the programme for the event where the elders and other leaders will bless and release Sifuna to run for the presidency.
He said the Bungoma homecoming rally will be used to unveil Sifuna’s presidential intent and undergo blessing from the community elders and leadership.
“We will be in Bungoma for a homecoming. All leaders will converge in Bungoma on that day. In Bungoma, the elders will bless our son, Sifuna, to go out in search of the presidency,” he said.
Realignment
On Thursday, Natembeya resigned from DAP-K party to form a political alliance with Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi group and to campaign for his presidential bid.
He said the Monday meeting was to consult and discuss politics and the future of Western Kenya as they head to next year’s general elections.
Natembeya said it was incumbent upon the Luhya community to discuss the future of the community and not relegate it to outsiders.
“We have started to plan our politics, and today we have agreed to start the journey with our people. We will have a meeting in Trans Nzoia on 25th July and a homecoming the next day on 26th in Bungoma,” he said.
In a move aimed at locking the Luhya votes into one basket, Natembeya said the community leaders will then embark on campaigns in all 38 constituencies to rally support for Sifuna.
“We will have meetings in every constituency in the Luhya community, while Sifuna will be traversing the country. We will traverse 38 constituencies in Western Kenya. Our MPs are in Ruto’s camp, so we declare war on them. We will be in one political party in next year’s election,” he said.
The irony
Oburu, who was recently confirmed as the party leader, with the party constitution stating that the party leader is the automatic presidential candidate, left ODM limping after he declared that he would defend his Siaya senatorial seat.
For the first time in 20 years after ODM’s formation, it will not present a presidential candidate, while in the past, it has had a candidate in the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
ODM is looking forward to the pre-election coalition with President William Ruto’s UDA and have already declared support for Ruto’s second term.
Oburu has been flip-flopping over the post of Deputy President, and the Kenya Kwanza lineup of Ruto and his deputy Kindiki Kithure could be on the 2027 ballot.
The colour and offices
Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi brigades have not been using the ODM colours of orange but have been uniquely blue on their posters.
The faction has not been using the ODM slogans in the rallies, an indication that they had parted ways and built a new home away from the Raila Odinga-founded party.
Recently, Siaya Governor James Orengo was in Mombasa where he met local county branch leaders and aspirants ahead of 2027.
Orengo wrote: “We have officially touched down at the Coast, and the reception has been nothing short of phenomenal! I am deeply honoured by the warm, high-powered welcome from a distinguished Kwale County delegation led by my brothers and national pillars: Sheikh Juma Ngao (Founder and President of the Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council), Hon. Hassan Mohamed Mwanyoha (Former MP for Matuga and the immediate Kwale ODM Chairperson), and Hon. Ashu Mohamed (Mombasa County Women Aspirant). Rejoining the fold to bolster our ranks were our formidable Mombasa leaders, Hon. Hisham Mwidau and Hon. Samba, signalling a united, unwavering front ahead of our week-long Coastal Tour. When we promised to return, we meant it. We are here to fulfil that pledge, touch base with the grassroots, and solidly anchor the Linda Mwananchi Movement across the coastal region. The energy on the ground is palpable, the resolve is unshakable, and the message is clear: the Coast is fully aligned with our progressive vision. The march for economic liberation and true devolution continues.”
Own goal
ODM could have scored an own goal by sacking Sifuna, as it now remains confined in Nyanza while Linda Mwananchi traverses the country and gains traction.
Similarly, the group is enjoying defections from ODM into its folds and is likely to slice a huge chunk of the party cake, leaving it clutching at the tin.
The Oburu wing is currently held in Nyanza, holding series of women empowerment programmes.
The sacking will only add impetus and drive sympathy to Sifuna in his backyard, and it is only a matter of time before he has his last laugh on Oburu and his team.
