Sifuna claims ODM insiders threatened church leaders over his visit
By Kiprono Keileb, January 25, 2026ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has accused some party members of intimidating church officials to block him from attending a church service in Kawangware.
Speaking on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Sifuna said the threats targeted a planned church service in a local PAG church in Dagoretti.
Sifuna explained that the threats extended to church leadership, including direct calls to the bishop of the PAG church.
“Watu wengine ndani ya ODM wanahubiri amani na wanatunolea visu. Tulipanga kuenda kanisa ya PAG wakampigia Bishop simu usiku wakimtisha na kumwambia ati asikubali mimi nisiende kwa kanisa yake ati kanisa hio watabomoa, sisi tumekosea nani,” Sifuna said.
He recalled an incident from December when he was publicly criticised within ODM for responding to internal party attacks, which he said were never checked by party leadership.
“December kuna jamaa ndani ya chama kazi yake ilikuwa ni kutusi Sifuna na Osotsi na hakuna mtu alimwambia anyamaze, siku ile Sifuna anajibu kitu wanaitisha mkutano wa Amani,” he added.
Heeding Ida Odinga’s advice
Sifuna noted that he had acted on advice from Mama Ida Odinga to engage peacefully with party members and church authorities. He emphasised that his conduct was respectful and non-confrontational despite the hostility from other factions.
“Mama Ida alisema tuongee na nikakubali kwa sababu namheshimu, nilitii wito wake na sijamtusi mtu yeyote, lakini ile pande ingine wamekataa kutii amri,” Sifuna said.
The remarks show ongoing divisions within ODM ahead of the upcoming election season, particularly around party discipline and coordination within the party.
Sifuna raised concerns about political interference in places of worship, questioning respect for religious spaces during campaign activities.
The secretary general called for dialogue and respect within the party to prevent further escalation of conflicts between leadership, party members, and community institutions.