Siaya Governor James Orengo has warned that any attempt to remove Edwin Sifuna as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General would destroy the party. Orengo delivered the message during a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, January 25, 2026, amid rising internal tensions within ODM following the death of party leader Raila Odinga last year.

Orengo praised Sifuna’s leadership and loyalty to the party. He said ODM would not survive if some members succeeded in pushing Sifuna out of office. Orengo accused unnamed factions of undermining the party for personal gain and warned against betrayal of ODM’s founding principles.

“Nataka niwaakikishie ya kwamba, mtu akidhubutu kumtoa Sifuna katika ODM secretary general, that will be the end of ODM,” Orengo said. His remarks came amid speculation that some ODM leaders are exploring cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Defends Odinga family

Orengo also called for respect for Raila Odinga’s family, saying they had paid a heavy price for the former prime minister’s political struggles. He urged party members to stop attacking the Odinga family and instead honour Raila’s legacy.

“Unajua bado tunalia sana Baba alizikwa mwaka jana. Na nataka niseme kwamba lazima tupatie heshima familia ya Raila Amollo Odinga. “

He recalled the sacrifices made by Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, and their children, including Winnie Odinga, during Raila’s years in detention and political persecution. Orengo said ODM supporters should continue to pray for the Odinga family and reject attempts to use them in internal power struggles.

“Mama Ida amepitia mengi sana. Ameishi miaka kumi kama Raila Odinga yuko gerezani, na hao watoto wake kina Winnie wamepata mateso makubwa sana. Kwa hivyo mimi nataka tumwombee raila amollo odinga pamoja na familia yake. Na hatutaki watu wachezee familia ya Raila Amollo Odinga.”

Raila’s words still guide

Orengo further advised ODM members to rely on Raila’s own words for direction. He said Raila left behind speeches and writings that clearly explained his vision for the party and the country.

“Mtu akitaka kujua ni nini Raila Amollo Odinga alisema, skia sauti yake, angalia maandishi yake.” “….na alikuwa ameweka sahihi, na hayo alikuwa maeweka sahihi, Sifuna alikuwa pale, na aliweka sahihi pamoja na Rais William Ruto.”

The Siaya governor has defended Sifuna on several occasions. In October 2025, he described the Nairobi senator as a vital pillar of ODM and warned that removing him would weaken the party. In December 2025, Orengo again backed Sifuna as ODM’s official spokesperson, saying Raila personally trusted him with that role.

ODM has faced uncertainty since Raila’s death in 2025. The party’s National Executive Council appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as interim party leader. Several other top positions remain on an interim basis, including the deputy party leaders and the chairperson.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi reinforced Orengo’s position on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Osotsi rejected any move to force ODM into supporting President Ruto and warned against threats to expel Sifuna.

Osotsi said he would leave the party if it removed Sifuna, a stance he said he had held even when Raila was alive. He also called for national party elections to end the current interim leadership structure.