“No Other ODM SG Surpasses Sifuna!” – Governor Orengo Declares
Siaya Governor James Orengo stirred excitement at a packed Linda Mwananchi rally in Shamakhokho, Vihiga County.
Orengo delivered a strong endorsement of embattled ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna while positioning the faction as the true face of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Addressing the crowd, Orengo praised Sifuna’s leadership and relayed a message he attributed to Raila Odinga.
“In the life of the party, we have never, never had a secretary general as good as Sifuna,” Orengo declared.
"Kasongo aliita Raila 'mchawi'; na baadae akapeleka yeye Bondo, na Osotsi alipigwa na watu wa Ruto." ~ Orengo on why Ruto must go home pic.twitter.com/3BLNM2SQMl
— Lightcast TV Kenya (@Lightcasttvke) April 25, 2026
He added that Raila had stated, “When Sifuna speaks, he speaks for Raila, and he speaks for the party.”
Orengo then issued a firm directive: “Therefore, I say, Sifuna, there is nowhere you are going. You are still the secretary general of ODM.”
He asked the crowd how many accepted this, before humorously likening himself to various traditional titles — “I am like Orego Nyatir… Orego Kidi… Orego Koko… Orego Nyawawa” — and playfully asking if he had earned the role of party leader.
The governor further rallied support for the Linda Mwananchi movement, declaring it now the biggest political force in Kenya and insisting it must field a presidential candidate.
Sifuna’s position as ODM Secretary-General has been under intense challenge since February 2026.
On February 11, the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) resolved to remove him with immediate effect, citing concerns over his conduct and alleged indiscipline.
Sifuna swiftly challenged the move at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), arguing it was unlawful and violated party rules.
On February 12, the Tribunal issued conservatory orders halting his removal and suspending any gazettement of the NEC decision, pending hearing of the matter.
Subsequent hearings saw the Tribunal extend these protective orders.
In a ruling on March 26, 2026, the PPDT struck out Sifuna’s petition on jurisdictional grounds, ruling that internal dispute resolution mechanisms (IDRM) should first be exhausted.
However, they crucially barred ODM from formalising his removal with the Registrar of Political Parties until those internal processes are completed.
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As of April 2026, Sifuna remains in office as court-recognised Secretary-General, with the Linda Mwananchi faction continuing to treat him as the legitimate holder of the position.
Fresh applications have been filed amid ongoing tensions, including attempts by the party to initiate disciplinary proceedings.
The Vihiga rally forms part of a broader charm offensive by the Linda Mwananchi team — led by figures including Sifuna, Orengo, Babu Owino, and Godfrey Osotsi — as they tour Western Kenya to consolidate support ahead of future political battles.
The movement continues to draw massive crowds while asserting its loyalty to ODM’s core ideals, even as it challenges the current party direction.
“No Other ODM SG Surpasses Sifuna!” – Governor Orengo Declares
