Orengo: ODM has never had a better SG than Sifuna
By Aloys Michael, April 25, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo energised a large crowd at the Linda Mwananchi rally in Shamakhokho, Vihiga County, where he firmly backed embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
In his address on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Orengo framed their camp as the authentic voice of the Orange party, signalling growing internal alignment while rallying supporters behind their leadership stance, praising Sifuna’s leadership, and relaying a message he attributed to the late Raila Odinga.
“In the life of the party, we have never, never had a secretary general as good as Sifuna. Raila had stated that when Sifuna speaks, he speaks for Raila, and he speaks for the party, “Orengo declared.
“Therefore, I say, Sifuna, there is nowhere you are going. You are still the secretary general of ODM.”
He asked the rally how many accepted this, before humorously likening himself to various traditional titles. “I am like Orego Nyatir, Orego Kidi, Orego Koko, Orego Nyawawa”, and playfully asking if he had earned the role of party leader.
The governor further rallied support for the Linda Mwananchi movement, declaring it now the biggest political force in Kenya and insisting it must field a presidential candidate.
Sifuna’s position as ODM Secretary-General has been under intense challenge since February 2026.
On February 11, 2026, the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) resolved to remove him with immediate effect, citing concerns over his conduct and alleged indiscipline.
Sifuna swiftly challenged the move at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), arguing it was unlawful and violated party rules.
On February 12, 2026, the Tribunal issued conservatory orders halting his removal and suspending any gazettement of the NEC decision, pending hearing of the matter.
Subsequent hearings saw the Tribunal extend these protective orders. In a ruling on March 26, 2026, the PPDT struck out Sifuna’s petition on jurisdictional grounds, ruling that internal dispute resolution mechanisms (IDRM) should first be exhausted, but crucially barred ODM from formalising his removal with the Registrar of Political Parties until those internal processes are completed.
As of April 2026, Sifuna remains in office as court-recognised Secretary-General, with the Linda Mwananchi faction continuing to treat him as the legitimate holder of the position.
Fresh applications have been filed amid ongoing tensions, including attempts by the party to initiate disciplinary proceedings.
The movement continues to draw massive crowds while asserting its loyalty to ODM’s core ideals, even as it challenges the current party direction.