Omanyo downplays Sifuna’s political wave, accuses allies of misleading him
By Sharon Atieno, July 25, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) interim Secretary-General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo has criticised Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s political allies, accusing them of misleading him and working against his political interests.
Speaking in Nambale, Busia County, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the distribution of food to elderly residents, Omanyo dismissed remarks that Sifuna enjoys a widespread political wave.
She instead warned the senator against what she described as unreliable friends who could be pushing him into political confrontations while pretending to support his ambitions.
“Marafiki ambao wanatembea na rafiki yangu Sifuna, nataka kuwakashifu. Wamempoteza, hawamtakii mazuri. They want Sifuna to go down,” Omanyo said.
The ODM official accused the senator’s allies of encouraging him to attack political opponents and take positions that could ultimately damage his political career.
Omanyo warns against ‘unreliable’ allies
Omanyo said some of the people surrounding Sifuna were not genuinely interested in his success, warning that they could abandon him after creating political divisions.
“They are not dependable. Mtu kama Wamunyoro anachukia Sifuna, watam-enjoy, wampange, wamchoche halafu watamuachanisha,” she said.
Her remarks appeared directed at what she described as a strategy in which Sifuna’s allies provoke political confrontations with opponents before distancing themselves from the consequences.
Omanyo also criticised Sifuna over his remarks on the Government’s affordable housing programme, accusing his advisers of failing to give him accurate information.
She said the senator should be properly guided on government programmes before making public statements that could mislead the public.
Sifuna’s growing political profile
The remarks come as Sifuna continues to attract growing attention ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the Nairobi senator increasingly positioning himself as a prominent opposition voice.
His Linda Mwananchi movement has also intensified political mobilisation in different parts of the country, attracting leaders and aspiring candidates seeking to align themselves with the emerging political outfit.
However, Omanyo’s remarks suggest that the senator’s growing political profile has also triggered criticism within opposition circles, with some leaders questioning the extent of his support and the influence of those surrounding him.
The latest exchange adds to the growing political contest within the opposition as parties and movements begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The exchange comes as Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement intensifies its grassroots mobilisation and fundraising efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Sifuna defended the movement’s newly launched paybill, saying the steady flow of donations had silenced critics who had predicted the initiative would fail.
“Walisema hatutaingiza pesa, lakini Paybill inaingiza pesa. Hatuna haja na pesa za Kasongo!” Sifuna said, as he maintained that the movement would rely on contributions from ordinary Kenyans rather than government-linked or politically connected financiers.