Kasmuel dissects Nairobi’s complex politics fueling Sifuna’s latest moves
By Mabonga Makhanu, March 8, 2026Activist Kasmuel McOure has stated that the embattled Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is opposing the broad-based government because of his own political survival.
While speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Saturday, March 7, 2026, Kasmuel stated that Sifuna is doing so because, to be elected in Nairobi, one must be in the opposition and critical of the state.
He added that Sifuna has realised he has lost ground in Nairobi, as it was the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who made Sifuna electable in the city. Kasmuel continued to state that after realising that 2027 politics will be key, he needs to be reelected.
Sifuna has now resorted to a strategy aimed at appealing to and exciting the masses, which explains why, according to Kasmuel, he is opposed to and critical of the broad-based government.
“It is for political survival, you know, Nairobi. You can’t just let Nairobi be by befriending the sitting government. It doesn’t happen. You have to be in opposition. It’s an interesting matrix. He’s trying to secure his reelection,” Kasmuel stated.
Kasmuel, who has been heavily critical of Sifuna, was among the first to call for his removal as Secretary-General, saying that his dismissal would have little impact on the party, contrary to what many of his supporters believed then
Sifuna ODM fallout
Edwin Sifuna has been heavily critical of the broad-based government and the decision of his party, ODM, to initiate pre-coalition talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 general election.
This has led him to form a Linda Mwananchi faction to rival the faction led by ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, which supports the Central Management Committee (CMC) decision for ODM to enter into a pact with the UDA.
COIN-10
The situation also comes at a time when the Committee on the Implementation of the 10-Point Agenda (COIN-10) and the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) are set to table their report on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, during a joint parliamentary group meeting between ODM and UDA after the elapse of the one-year window.
Sifuna and his team of ODM rebels have vowed to hold a separate meeting to address the concerns of the 10-Point Agenda and oppose their party’s decisions.
Sifuna had wanted the report unveiled on Saturday, March 7, 2026, the exact day the memorandum of understanding between Raila Odinga and President William Ruto was signed. Still, its release was delayed due to the funeral of the late Emurua Dikirr, Johanna Ng’eno.
He stated that for the extension to be valid, they must visit Kang’o ka Jaramogi to obtain the signature of the late leader.