Kaluma intensifies call for Sifuna’s ouster from Senate leadership
By Joel Masibo, January 6, 2026Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to strip party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of his Senate leadership over what he terms as betrayal of the political outfit.
In a statement shared via X on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Kaluma drew a direct comparison between how the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) handled Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and how ODM continues to accommodate the Senate Minority Leader he accuses of corruption and betrayal.
Kaluma recalled how UDA decisively removed Khalwale from his Senate Majority Whip position after his conduct was deemed inappropriate during the Malava by-election in November 2025.
Political firmness
To Kaluma, that move demonstrated political firmness and respect for party values. He contrasted this with what he described as ODM’s reluctance to act against one of its own senior figures, despite persistent accusations of disloyalty, amid claims of working with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The legislator questioned why ODM would retain, in such a powerful position, an individual he labelled a “corrupt traitor” who, in his view, contributes nothing to the party’s agenda. Sifuna has been on the receiving end since the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
”UDA kicked Khalwale out of the Senate Leadership position when he took his jokes too far. What is ODM still doing with this corrupt traitor, who adds nothing to the party? Kick him out of the Senate Leader position he holds!” Kaluma said.
His remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal disagreements and the challenge of maintaining unity while enforcing discipline. Kaluma’s intervention adds pressure on the party’s top organs to clarify their stance on loyalty, ethics, and the threshold for holding leadership roles in Parliament post-Raila Odinga era.
ODM’s mass exodus
However, as calls for Sifuna’s removal from his positions in ODM and in the Senate, Kabuchai Member of Parliament Majimbo Kalasinga has warned that the Orange party risks a mass exodus of supporters if plans to oust the Nairobi Senator from the party leadership are carried out.
Speaking in his constituency on Monday, January 5, 2025, Kalasinga stated that any attempt to force Sifuna out of his position as ODM Secretary General would be met with strong resistance, particularly from the Luhya community.