Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, joined former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Makomboki village, Murang’a County, for the burial of Alice Wangari Gakuya, the mother of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya.

Other United Opposition leaders, including Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, his Nyandarua counterpart John Muhia Methu, Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe, and Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, were also in attendance.

Taking to his official X account, Sifuna shared a photo of himself with a section of the leaders, which captured them during the funeral service.

He further revealed that he was in Murang’a to condole with Gakuya, whom he referred to as a brother.

“Happening…in Makomboki, Muranga County, to condole with our brother Hon. James Gakuya, MP Embakasi North, as he lays his mother Alice Wangari Gakuya to rest,” Sifuna stated.

ODM cracks

This comes amid growing attacks from a section of the ODM members who have been questioning Sifuna’s authority and loyalty to the party, some of whom have accused him of plotting to sell the Orange party, with some linking him to Gachagua.

ODM has been grappling with internal disagreements over its political direction, particularly following cooperation between the party and President William Ruto’s administration.

Sifuna has been openly critical of the government and vocal about what he terms attempts to dilute ODM’s opposition role. His stance has earned him praise from some party supporters but sharp criticism from others who accuse him of defying collective party positions.

Several ODM leaders allied to the cooperation framework with the Kenya Kwanza government have recently taken aim at Sifuna, questioning his public statements and claiming that he is among those plotting to sell the party.

Some Orange party members, such as political activist Kasmuel McOure, have even claimed that Sifuna is planning to unveil a new political party in March 2026.

Taking to his official X account on Friday, January 2, 2026, McOure said that there are facts within the troubled ODM that Sifuna needs to clarify based on his capacity amid bigwigs within the party washing dirty linens and trading barbs in public. He accused ODM of setting Oburu Odinga up for public ridicule by announcing his presidential candidature against Ruto.

Sifuna defended

However, some ODM members, such as Siaya Governor James Orengo, have defended Sifuna.

Speaking on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, during the burial ceremony of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, Orengo said the party’s leadership structure is clear in law and practice, insisting that Sifuna remains the legitimate Secretary General and official spokesperson of the party.

“Mimi ninatambua Sifuna as the Secretary General of ODM. Hapo awali, Raila declared that the spokesperson of the party is Edwin Sifuna; that is the reality in law,” Orengo stated.

The veteran lawyer and constitutionalist added that attempts to sideline or intimidate Sifuna amount to undermining the party’s own constitution and long-standing principles of internal democracy.