By Ahmed Salat Ali | Political Affairs |
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has warned that any attempt to expel Edwin Sifuna from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) would undermine the ideals championed by the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking during an interview on a podcast hosted by Herman Manyora that aired on Friday, March 27, 2026, the former Vice President expressed strong admiration for the Nairobi Senator, describing him as a principled and courageous leader who embodies the political values nurtured within ODM during Raila’s leadership.
Kalonzo said Sifuna had long enjoyed the trust and confidence of Raila and argued that the ongoing attempts to remove him from the party following the former Prime Minister’s death signal a departure from the ideals on which ODM was founded.
“If they throw Sifuna out of ODM, my submission is that they will have thrown out the ideas Raila Odinga stood for,” Kalonzo said. “That would no longer be Raila’s ODM. It would be a different ODM altogether.”
The Wiper leader further stated that an ODM without Sifuna, Babu Owino, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, and Godfrey Osotsi, the Vihiga Senator, would cease to reflect the movement Raila built and led for more than two decades.
“If people like Osotsi and Babu are also forced out, then clearly that will not be Raila’s ODM. It will be a different formation entirely — perhaps even what some might call a ‘Ruto ODM,’” he said.
Kalonzo also likened Sifuna’s political stance to the spirit demonstrated by Kenya’s Generation Z youth during their protests, saying the senator represents a generation that is ready to defend democratic values and national interests.
“Sifuna represents the same patriotic spirit we saw among Gen Z youth carrying the Kenyan flag during their protests. That courage and boldness are exactly what this country needs,” he added.
He further disclosed that the emerging opposition coalition would readily accommodate Sifuna should he be forced out of ODM, insisting that the Nairobi senator remains a valuable voice in Kenya’s political landscape.
“If they push him out, the United Opposition will be ready to work with him,” Kalonzo said. “He does not need much guidance because he has already been schooled in the Raila Odinga school of politics.”
Tribunal Ruling on Sifuna’s Position
Kalonzo’s remarks came just days after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal dismissed a case seeking to remove Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General of ODM.
The tribunal ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter and directed that the dispute first be handled through the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before it could be escalated to court.
The dispute follows a recent Special Delegates Conference within ODM where several officials allied to the Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi faction were removed from key party positions. Among those affected was Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
The developments have intensified political debate within ODM and the broader opposition, with leaders warning that internal divisions could reshape the party’s future direction in the post-Raila era.
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