A deepening leadership fallout has rocked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna declaring he will not serve under what he termed as “mediocrity” following the transition sparked by the death of Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a charged ‘People’s’ National Delegates Convention (NDC) convened by the Linda Mwananchi faction at Ufungamano House on Friday, March 27, Sifuna signalled a possible exit from the powerful party position, taking direct aim at the new leadership under Oburu Oginga.
“It has been the honour of my life to be the Secretary General of probably the greatest politician this country will ever see, Raila Amollo Odinga,” Sifuna told supporters.
In a fiery follow-up, he openly rejected the prospect of serving under the new regime.
“Sasa nataka mniangalie vizuri; yaani mnataka kuniambia naweza kuwa katibu mkuu wa ODM, katibu mkuu wa Raila Odinga, miaka nane, and then I become the SG of mediocrity? Oburu tafuta SG wako, mimi siwezi kuwa SG wa Oburu. I will not be the SG of mediocrity,” he said.
The Nairobi Senator’s remarks, widely seen as either a resignation or refusal to continue in office, mark a sharp escalation of internal wrangles within ODM as rival factions jostle for control in the post-Raila era.
Despite the hardline stance, Sifuna insisted that leadership positions ultimately rest with the electorate, dismissing fears that losing office would weaken his political standing.
“Sifuna sio mwoga, kazi yoyote ambayo mtanituma kufanya kwa ajili ya taifa la Kenya, hiyo kazi ndio Sifuna atafanya… leo nikinyang’anywa nafasi yoyote, mimi naamini mtanirudishia yote 2027,” he said.
He added that he does not consider himself entitled to the Secretary General position indefinitely, but warned that any attempt to replace him must strictly follow the party’s constitution.
“Sifuna was not born to be the Secretary General of ODM forever… lakini ukitaka kureplace Sifuna fuata katiba ya chama; itisha NDC ambayo kila mtu anaenda kwa debe,” he stated.
The standoff comes amid parallel party activities, with a rival faction allied to the government also holding its own Special Delegates Convention, where Oburu was formally ratified as party leader—further exposing deep divisions within ODM.