Orengo: ODM would suffer without Sifuna as Secretary-General

Siaya Governor James Orengo has warned that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) would face serious challenges if Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna were to leave his post.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, October 7, 2025, Orengo described Sifuna as a pillar of the party, whose leadership and dedication have been central to keeping ODM cohesive.

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“The party would lose a lot if Sifuna were not here. He listens, he reasons, and he ensures that decisions are well-grounded,” Orengo said, underlining the crucial role Sifuna plays in guiding the party’s internal affairs and ensuring its structures function effectively.

Sifuna had earlier said that he is ready to relinquish his party leadership role if the ODM hierarchy loses confidence in him.

Orengo added that strong parties need leaders who are willing to challenge ideas, speak up, and push for accountability.

“Sifuna has always been bold in his positions. He ensures that even difficult conversations happen, and that strengthens the party rather than weakens it,” he said.

The governor emphasised that Sifuna’s leadership goes beyond administrative duties. His guidance has helped ODM maintain focus on its vision and principles amid political pressures.

According to Orengo, strong leadership at the top is essential for any political organisation to thrive, citing examples of global democracies where committed leaders shaped long-term stability.

“The ODM’s strength is its structure and disciplined approach,” Orengo said. “Without Sifuna coordinating, we risk losing cohesion at a critical time in our country’s politics.”

He pointed out that Sifuna’s firm yet fair style has helped the party navigate moments of internal tension. By engaging members and mediating disputes consistently, Sifuna has kept the party united even when opinions differ sharply.

In recent times, Sifuna has openly disagreed with ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.

The Nairobi senator has even warned that he could leave the party if it backs Ruto for the presidency, highlighting his principled stance on the party’s direction.

Orengo said such courage and resolve are qualities ODM cannot afford to lose, especially at a time when political alliances and strategies are under constant scrutiny.