Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has hit back at critics within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), insisting he remains the last loyal secretary general to the late Raila Odinga.

Sifuna addressed supporters at a Linda Mwananchi event held in Kaiti Constituency. Leaders hosted the gathering, which included a church service and political engagement with local residents.

During his speech, Sifuna directly responded to the decision by a section of ODM’s National Executive Committee to remove him as Secretary General in February 2026.

“Wanajaribu kufukuza katibu wa Baba,” he said. “Mimi nawambia, hata wakinitoa kama SG, Baba hatawai kuwa na katibu mwingine. Mimi ndio wa mwisho.”

ODM leadership dispute

The dispute within ODM has played out for months. Party officials announced Sifuna’s removal earlier in February, accusing him of rebelling against the party’s direction.

Leaders behind the decision argued that Sifuna had opposed the party’s engagement with the government and had publicly criticised the cooperation agreement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Sifuna rejected the move immediately. He insisted that the National Executive Committee lacked the authority to remove him and maintained that he remained the duly elected Secretary General.

He has continued to challenge the decision through public statements and legal avenues.

Divisions after Raila

Tensions within ODM increased following Raila Odinga’s passing. Party leaders have struggled to agree on the movement’s future direction.

Some leaders support working with the government through the memorandum of understanding signed with UDA. Others, including Sifuna, have opposed deeper cooperation.

Sifuna argued that the arrangement risks weakening the party’s identity and abandoning its traditional position as an opposition force. His stance has drawn support from some party members, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, while others have criticised him for challenging the leadership.

The Makueni rally showed that Sifuna still enjoys support among sections of the grassroots and among leaders allied to the opposition. Wiper politicians welcomed him during the Linda Mwananchi tour, which focuses on governance, accountability and citizen concerns.

Sifuna used the platform to repeat his loyalty to Raila and to frame the current dispute as a fight over the party’s soul.