By Anderson Ojwang

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o has revealed how he personally headhunted Edwin Sifuna to become Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Nyong’o, who previously served as ODM’s first Secretary General, has in past speeches recounted how Sifuna rose to occupy one of the most influential positions within the party.

According to Nyong’o, he first noticed Sifuna through his newspaper articles in The Standard and was impressed by his analytical depth and writing skills. After serving 12 years as Secretary General, Nyong’o sought to step back from the administrative role and focus on strengthening the party’s research wing.

It was during that transition that he began scouting for a suitable successor.

Nyong’o narrated:

“Before I say much, I want to deal with a few matters rising from what has been spoken here. Are we together?
First, is the issue of Edwin Sifuna. I think none of you knows how Edwin Sifuna came into ODM.
Edwin used to write for The Standard newspaper, very good articles. And after serving for 12 years as Secretary General of ODM, I asked the party leader to allow me to concentrate on developing the research wing of the party and give the technocracy to another Secretary General.
We tried a few people, it never worked. So one day, I said to myself, that young man who writes so well in The Standard — let me call him and have lunch with him at United Kenya Club. I met Sifuna and I was very impressed. So I went and talked to the party leader and he agreed to have him on board.”

Nyong’o said that from the outset, Sifuna proved equal to the task and performed exemplarily as both Secretary General and party spokesperson.

“We read the interview Sifuna had at Kenya Times, where he made it very clear — being the Secretary General and the spokesperson of the party — he clarified every issue and since then, we have not seen any writing attacking Sifuna in the newspaper at all,” Nyong’o said.

“The guy is built for the future”

Defending Sifuna against critics at the time, Nyong’o questioned those who sought to undermine him and insisted the party had deliberately recruited him based on merit.

“Sasa wewe ni nani? Sasa wewe unaanza leo kupinga Sifuna wewe ni nani?”
(“Who are you to start criticizing Sifuna today? Who are you?”)

He continued:

“We in the party sought Sifuna from his professional work to bring him into the party. He has been doing an excellent job since then. Let us support him — we in the party and the people let us support him. The guy is built for the future. You know what I mean. Ukiangalia huko mbele, utaona Sifuna. If you don’t know what I am saying, go home and think.”

Political Storm in ODM

However, Sifuna now finds himself at the center of a political storm within ODM.

On Wednesday, the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), led by party leader Oburu Odinga, resolved to relieve him of his duties as Secretary General. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal later granted Sifuna temporary reprieve.

The dispute is linked to internal divisions over a proposed pre-election coalition pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In a statement, ODM announced:

“Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect. Effectively, Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the deputy secretary generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office will be elected.”

In solidarity with Sifuna, East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late Raila Odinga, posted on Facebook: “It is not well.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo argued that Sifuna remains the legitimate office holder.

“How can you remove a substantive party Secretary General while your appointment was an illegality? The holders are in office illegally and do not have locus standi,” Orengo said.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi had earlier demanded Sifuna’s removal, arguing it would ease the path for coalition talks with President Ruto.

Meanwhile, Mama Ida Odinga appealed for unity within the party.

“It is my wish that we can preserve the party in his honor as a matter of service to our country. I want to appeal to those Baba left in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for our country,” she said.

She further urged dialogue:

“Let us solve the problems of the party by always asking ourselves, what would Baba do under these circumstances?”

Interestingly, in a previous meeting, Oburu had publicly praised Sifuna’s leadership.

“I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party this morning. He remains a sober and principled voice, embodying the democratic ideals we believe in as a party,” Oburu wrote on his X handle.

He added at the time:

“We are one. We are united as the ODM Party. As a leader, I believe we must encourage everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties—like ODM—grow through robust debate and unique challenges.”

As the internal wrangles continue, Nyong’o’s earlier endorsement of Sifuna as a leader “built for the future” now adds historical weight to the unfolding leadership contest within ODM.

By Anderson Ojwang

He is regarded as a master planner and political mobilizer. For more than four decades, he has operated at the heart of President William Ruto’s political journey.

In him, President Ruto has often found a dependable strategist — meticulous with details, fearless in political contests, and adventurous in his approach to campaign battles that at times appeared untenable.

Meet Faruk Kibet Teigut, President Ruto’s long-serving aide, whom members of the Kabras clan in Kakamega County have christened Akhonya — meaning “the helper.” The name, locals say, captures his political brand: a mobilizer with an expansive network and a readiness to lend support across communities.

Delivering Malava

In last year’s November by-election in Malava Constituency, President Ruto entrusted Faruk with the task of delivering victory for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Ndakwa. Ndakwa won the seat against stiff competition.

Faruk pitched camp in the constituency for more than three months, traversing villages, markets, and churches to popularize the party’s agenda.

Now, the President has once again deployed him to Western Kenya — this time to oversee UDA’s campaign in the West Kabras ward by-election scheduled for February 26.

Sources close to the campaign say Faruk has been spending most of his time in the ward, often staying at the homes of friends and allies and rarely traveling back to Eldoret or Nairobi.

A Tough Contest in West Kabras

In the upcoming by-election, UDA candidate Elphas Shalakha faces a competitive field that includes Bramwel Khaemba (DCP), Edward Indumuli (ODM), Nivah Musa (DAP-K), and a candidate from the National Economic Development Party associated with former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

UDA Kakamega senatorial aspirant Stephen Shikanda says Faruk’s presence on the ground gives the party an advantage.

“Faruk was able to penetrate Luhya politics through Malava. In Malava he is more loved than the MP and that is why he is likely to deliver the ward seat. It is a tough battle against the opponents but he is more prepared for it,” Shikanda said.

Building Political Networks in Kabras

Fluent in the Luhya language and conversant with the Kabras dialect, Faruk has built long-standing ties in the region.

His engagement with the area dates back to 2007, when he was associated with local political activities involving the late ODM aspirant Musavini. He later became close to the late Housing Minister Soita Shitanda, who introduced him to his political network before his death in 2016.

Faruk also worked closely with the late Malulu Injendi and has maintained his presence in Malava and surrounding areas since.

Over the years, he has supported empowerment drives for women’s groups, youth organizations, widows, and boda boda associations across the seven wards of Malava Constituency. Beneficiaries say the initiatives helped them start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.

His ability to speak directly in the local dialect has further strengthened his grassroots appeal, with many residents now describing him as one of their own.

Campaign Style and Messaging

During the Malava mini-polls, Faruk became a constant presence in the constituency, conducting early morning visits and presiding over development-related engagements.

His efforts saw him square off politically against leaders such as Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and candidate Seth Panyako.

At campaign rallies, Faruk framed the contest as a choice between development and conflict.

“Mimi nataka kuona mkono ya maendeleo hapa. Ni Ndakwa au si Ndakwa. Nyinyi munataka kuona mkono ya vita.”
(“I want to see the hand of development here. Is it Ndakwa or not? Do you want to see the hand of conflict?”)

He added:
“Anatisha watu na vita. Omba kura na amani. Mtu ya vita yeye anafanya vita na haja pata kura. Akipata kura atawafanyia nini?”
(“They are threatening people with violence. Ask for votes peacefully. If someone is already causing conflict before getting votes, what will they do after being elected?”)

On infrastructure, he told residents:
“Hii barabara nimepitia ni mbaya sana, nitume grader.”
(“I passed through this road and it is in a bad state; I will send a grader.”)

And on unity, he urged peaceful campaigns:
“Wewe ukiwa jirani na unakula na jirani yako hakuli, ni vizuri ukule naye. Wewe upinzani omba kura ya amani.”
(“If you are eating and your neighbour has nothing, it is good to share. If you are in the opposition, ask for votes peacefully.”)

Focus on Issues

Faruk has criticized opponents for what he describes as attempts to personalize the campaign by dragging President Ruto and his allies into the contest rather than focusing on local development issues.

He maintains that his approach will center on issue-based campaigns and grassroots mobilization.

As President Ruto seeks to consolidate support in Western Kenya, particularly among Luhya voters, Faruk’s continued presence on the ground underscores the strategic importance of the region ahead of future political contests.

Whether his political machinery will once again deliver remains to be seen, but for now, Faruk — dubbed by allies as the President’s “Bwana Dawa” — is firmly back on the campaign trail in West Kabras.

By Billy Mijungu

There are moments in politics when a movement must look inward and ask itself who can hold the centre when its pillar steps aside. It is true no one can ever fit the shoes of Raila Odinga. He is not just a politician but an era. He is agitation and negotiation rolled into one. He is resilience shaped by decades of contest. But transitions are not about replacing legends. They are about preserving direction, protecting strength, and preparing for the next contest with clarity.

In this delicate hour for Orange Democratic Movement, the party needs a steady hand that understands both the fire of resistance and the arithmetic of power. James Orengo stands out as that hand. He has walked the long road of struggle. He has defended principles in courtrooms and on the streets. He has negotiated in tense rooms where the future of coalitions was decided. He understands that politics is not about noise alone but about leverage.

Orengo has watched and studied William Ruto carefully over the years. He knows that power responds to pressure. He knows that negotiation without strength is surrender dressed as compromise. Raila mastered the art of demonstrating political weight before sitting at the table. He would show his adversaries the cost of ignoring his base, then extend a hand of dialogue from a position of influence. That balance between agitation and engagement is what kept ODM relevant through shifting tides.

Today the circumstances are different and the party appears less assertive than it once was. Yet the lesson remains the same. If ODM is to reclaim strategic ground, it must speak with firmness and negotiate with purpose. The Deputy Presidency and other positions of influence should never be treated as distant dreams but as bargaining anchors in any coalition framework. Politics respects those who know their value.

Transitions are rarely gentle. They test loyalty, discipline, and vision. They expose internal weaknesses and external threats. In such times, familiarity with struggle becomes an asset. Orengo and his peers were forged in seasons when dissent carried consequences. They know what it means to defend a movement beyond convenience. They know that unity is built on clarity of purpose, not comfort.

ODM does not need a caretaker spirit. It needs continuity of conviction. It needs someone who understands Raila’s grammar of resistance and the logic of negotiation. Orengo may not be Raila, but he carries echoes of that firmness and that courage. In a transition that demands steadiness rather than spectacle, he offers experience over experiment and strategy over sentiment.

By Anderson Ojwang

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has moved to court to challenge his ouster by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Council (NEC) on Wednesday.

In solidarity with the sacked Secretary General, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late former party leader Raila Odinga, joined a group of legislators and Siaya Governor James Orengo at a press conference today.

Winnie had earlier written on her Facebook page, “It is not well,” before appearing alongside Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi, Governor Orengo and other leaders.

Sifuna termed his removal unconstitutional and a travesty of justice, saying he was ousted without being given an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.

“We have moved to the court and we hope to get justice in the court. Already our lawyers have moved to court. Let’s meet at the court,” he said.

Siaya Governor James Orengo argued that Sifuna legally remains the party Secretary General, claiming those who removed him lack legal standing.

“How can you remove a substantive party secretary general while your appointment was an illegality? The holders are in office illegally and do not have locus standi,” he said.

On Wednesday, in a brief statement, ODM NEC announced it had relieved Sifuna of his position as Secretary General and party spokesperson with immediate effect.

The move followed a protracted power struggle between the faction allied to party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga and Sifuna over the proposed pre-election coalition pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In a statement, ODM said:
“Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect. Effectively, Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the deputy secretary generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected.”

Earlier, Dr. Oburu had maintained that ODM is a members’ party governed by its constitution.

“The minority will have their say but the majority will have their way and so those with dissenting voices must respect the wishes of the majority. Democracy must be guided,” he said.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi had also called for Sifuna’s removal, arguing that it was necessary to pave the way for a coalition alliance with President Ruto.

Meanwhile, Mama Ida Odinga recently appealed to party leaders to preserve Raila Odinga’s legacy and avoid internal wrangles that could weaken the party.

“It is my wish that we can preserve the party in his honor as a matter of service to our country. I want to appeal to those Baba left in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for our country,” she said.

Earlier, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch had petitioned party organs to take disciplinary action against Sifuna over his stand on the broad-based alliance.

Interestingly, in a previous meeting, Oburu had described Sifuna as a principled and democratic leader.

“I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party this morning. He remains a sober and principled voice, embodying the democratic ideals we believe in as a party,” he wrote on his X handle.

Oburu added at the time:
“We are one. We are united as the ODM Party. As a leader, I believe we must encourage everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties—like ODM—grow through robust debate and unique challenges.”

Recently, a section of ODM legislators alarmed by what they termed as self-cannibalisation in the party urged Oburu to convene an urgent meeting to contain the escalating crisis.

The MPs, led by ODM Vice National Chairman Dr. Otiende Amollo, said the wrangles were worrying and amounted to a betrayal of the party’s founding ideals.

In a joint statement, they said:
“It is testament to how much we miss the wisdom and iconic leadership of our departed Rt Hon Raila Odinga, that divisive rhetoric has taken over our politics, without restraint.”

Sifuna has dismissed attempts to remove him from the party, arguing that those behind the move lack the capacity to eject him.

He claimed the plot to oust him stems from his opposition to efforts by a section of party officials to support President Ruto’s second term.

The fallout intensified after a recent television interview in which Sifuna said ODM was receiving parallel funding for the Linda Grounds engagements.

In the interview, Sifuna maintained that the Kilifi Central Management Committee had resolved that the party engage in coalition talks broadly, not exclusively with UDA.

“The resolution of the Kilifi meeting is clear and specific. It said the party to embark on coalition formation with other political formations in the country. There is nowhere it talked about UDA as the only formation. We expect to engage all the political formations in the country with a view of a possible alliance,” he said.

He further stated that ODM was prepared to field a presidential candidate in 2027, quoting the late Raila Odinga:

“Who told you ODM will not have a presidential candidate in 2027?”

Sifuna also maintained that Dr. Oburu and his team were serving in an interim capacity pending ratification by the National Delegates Conference.

In response, Oburu dismissed the claims, insisting that party officials were serving substantively.

“We want to state categorically that all party officials are serving substantively and supported by the party organs’ resolutions. However, the interview also contained assertions that misled the public regarding the legitimacy of certain party organs and office holders. ODM has, since its inception, demonstrated fidelity to its constitution and to the rule of law. The same principle has put every individual in their rightful positions, including that of Senator Sifuna,” he said.

On the issue of funding, Sifuna claimed that the resources used in the ongoing Linda Grounds rallies were not from official party accounts.

“The money and the resources you see being spent on the ODM rallies called Linda Ground — the monies do not come from ODM headquarters. For me, I can only account for the monies because I am a signatory to the bank accounts, and Timothy Bosire is a signatory to the bank accounts. The last money we expended as ODM officially was for the celebration in Mombasa and it was a fraction of what you saw there,” he said.

The legal battle now sets the stage for what could be a defining moment in ODM’s internal power struggle ahead of the 2027 General Election.