Siaya Senator James Orengo has clarified that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna rightfully holds his position as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, insisting that his appointment was not a political favour but a democratic outcome.

Speaking on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, during an interview with K24 TV, Orengo stated that Sifuna was elected during the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC), dismissing claims that he had been installed by the party leader.

“Hakuna ukweli kabisa ya kwamba Sifuna ni mtu ambaye aliwa installed na party leader, yeye alichaguliwa na NDC,” Orengo said.

Loosely translate: “Sifuna was not installed by the party leader; he was elected by the NDC,” Orengo said.

Proposal of a party leader

According to Orengo, Sifuna was proposed by Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, but he was supposed to go through the legal processes of the party for him to get elected to his position.

He said he does not see any problem when a party official proposes a member to a leadership position, maintaining that he/she must pass through the party rules and regulations.

“Anyang’ Nyong’o aliona kwamba Sifuna ana uwezo wa kuwa kiongozi, lakini ilikuwa ni lazima apitie mchakato wa kisheria wa chama. Sioni ubaya kwa kiongozi wa chama au mwanachama yeyote kupendekeza mtu katika uongozi, mradi tu inafuata katiba ya chama na taratibu zilizowekwa,” Orengo said.

“Anyang’ Nyong’o saw that Sifuna had the potential to be a leader, but it was necessary for him to go through the party’s legal process. I don’t see any problem with a party leader or any member proposing someone for leadership, as long as it follows the party’s constitution and established procedures.”

Sifuna removal from office

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, announced that it had relieved Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of his duties with immediate effect.

Sifuna has said that he remains a royal member of the Orange Democratic Movement party and the duly elected secretary general.

In a brief press release statement read to the members of the fourth estate on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Sifuna thanked supporters and signalled to the ODM supporters that he will remain a loyal member of the ODM party and the duly elected secretary general of the ODM Party.

“I remain a loyal member and the duly elected secretary general of the ODM party,” Sifuna said.

Sifuna also indicated that he is not ready to serve as secretary-general under what he termed ‘mediocrity’, implying that he is not willing to work with the current leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party under Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.

Sifuna, speaking at a public rally in Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa on Sunday, March 29, 2026, said that he could not work as the secretary-general of the party under Oburu Odinga, who could not be compared to the late Raila Odinga, the former head of the ODM party.

“Siwezi kuwa secretary general wa mediocrity. Mnajua mediocrity ni nini? Siwezi fanya kazi na Raila Odinga kwa zaidi ya miaka tisa alafu nifanye kazi na mtu kama Oburu,” Sifuna said.