Cherargei: Sifuna is a threat to broad-based govt
By Faith Lagat, December 23, 2025Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei launched a fierce online attack on Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on December 23, 2025, accusing him of undermining the broad-based government and calling for his removal from the party position.
In a post on X dated December 23, 2025, Cherargei directly addressed Sifuna, stating, “Omwami Sifuna, this line is famous with professional political extortionists. Your tenure as ODM Secretary-General is now a liability and a threat to the broad-based government going into the future. You must be removed so that you are free to join the disunited opposition. Hii vitisho baridi lazima itaisha tu!”
The attack escalated tensions within ODM amid ongoing debates about the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections and its role in the broad-based government formed through cooperation between President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Cherargei’s criticism appeared to respond to recent statements by Sifuna emphasising grassroots decision-making for ODM’s future.
Sifuna calls for grassroots decision-making
Sifuna had said, “As members of ODM, we’ve said that the decision the party will take towards 2027 will not be made by a select group of leaders at the top, but we will go to the ground and ask Kenyans what they want us to do.”
He also commented on leadership priorities in governance, stating, “Exactly the mentality that will get us to Singapore. Ati, when you get power, you start with yourself. Do I want the road to my village tarmacked? Yes. Is it a national priority to be elevated over, say, Bomas-Kiserian? No. In 2027, get rid of these dealers who think starting with themselves is the measure of leadership.”
These remarks came amid broader political discourse, including President Ruto’s criticism of opposition figures for failing to develop infrastructure in their own areas.
ODM leaders rally behind Jirongo’s family
The online spat unfolded against the backdrop of ODM leaders rallying to support the family of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, who died in a tragic road accident.
ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga led a delegation to Jirongo’s home in Lumakanda for condolences. Dressed in traditional attire with a whisk, similar to his late brother Raila Odinga, Oburu donated an undisclosed amount for funeral preparations.
Accompanying him was Sifuna, who contributed Ksh100,000 plus an additional amount for youth present, and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, who donated Ksh100,000 subdivided among attendees.
This followed a visit the previous day by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and other ODM leaders, who fundraised after gifting bulls and fish.
Wanga humorously remarked, “Najua tumekuja na mboga, lakini lazima mboga ikulwe na ugali. Nataka kuwaambia hawa viongozi watoe ugali,” prompting contributions including Ksh100,000 from Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Ksh200,000 from Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, and Ksh300,000 from Wanga herself.