Gakuya details why Sifuna is a threat to Oburu-led ODM faction ahead of 2027 talks
By Faith Lagat, May 11, 2026Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has placed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at the centre of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) succession debate, saying he is emerging as a key figure in the party’s future leadership direction.
Speaking during a televised interview on a local TV station on Monday, May 11, 2026, Gakuya said Sifuna’s growing influence within ODM cannot be ignored.
Gakuya made the remarks during a wider discussion on opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
“As much as we have ODM split, the ODM-Sifuna fraternity is a big threat to the broad-based government, which is now the ODM-Oburu and UDA,” he said.
The lawmaker further argued that Sifuna’s political base spans Western Kenya and Nyanza, describing it as a significant factor in his rising profile within the party.
The MP drew a distinction between Sifuna’s earlier political contests and his current standing, stating, “This is not the Sifuna who failed to capture a political seat… We are talking of today.” Gakuya added that, by the nature of current political developments, the succession of the late Raila Odinga appears to be leaning toward Sifuna, noting his influence in emerging party dynamics.
ODM succession debate and internal party positions
The remarks come amid ongoing internal discussions within ODM over leadership succession following Raila Odinga’s continued central role in the party.
Gakuya suggested that Sifuna would command significant support if he engaged in competition for leadership positions within Western and Nyanza regions against the current faction associated with Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
He further stated that Sifuna would likely secure a majority of positions in such a contest, reinforcing his view that the senator should not be dismissed in succession considerations. The comments add to the growing debate over generational leadership transition within ODM and its future political direction.
Party divisions and Sifuna’s position
Tensions within ODM have been evident following the National Executive Committee’s decision in February 2026 that relieved Sifuna of his duties as secretary general. Sifuna has maintained that he remains the elected secretary general, citing the National Delegates Convention as the source of his mandate.
Siaya Senator James Orengo has supported this position, stating during a K24 TV interview on May 6, 2026, that Sifuna was elected through a constitutional party process and was not imposed by the party leadership.
Sifuna has also publicly expressed disagreement with what he terms “mediocrity” in leadership and has called for unity within the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.