Sifuna: Ojwang killing marked end of UDA-ODM pact
By Faith Lagat, April 19, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody in June 2025 marked the end of any working arrangement between UDA and ODM.
Speaking at the Linda Mwananchi rally at Mazembe Grounds in Nakuru, Sifuna addressed supporters and linked his position within the party to his stance on the incident.
“Siku ile Albert Ojwang aliuliwa, hiyo ndio ilikuwa mwisho wa mkataba wa UDA na ODM,” he stated. “Ndio maana wanajaribu kunifukuza kama SG, kwa sababu nilisimama na Albert Ojwang. We have not forgotten Brayo Odhiambo, who was killed by KWS officers. To date, no justice has been served.”
His remarks come amid internal disagreements within the Orange Democratic Movement over leadership positions and the party’s engagement with the government.
Ojwang’s death and investigations
Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger from Homa Bay County, was arrested on June 7, 2025, and later detained at Central Police Station in Nairobi.
He was found dead in custody on June 8. Initial police reports indicated he sustained self-inflicted injuries, but an autopsy revealed multiple injuries, including head trauma.
The case prompted national concern and renewed focus on police conduct. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga condemned the incident and called for accountability.
“While these deaths cause tremendous pain to individuals and their families, they seriously erode the authority and credibility of the police and the state, and that is a significant step towards chaos and collapse,” Raila stated. “When citizens can no longer tell the difference between police injustice and mob injustice, we are staring at the reality of failure as a nation.”
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority opened investigations into the incident.
Related cases and party position
Sifuna also referenced the death of Brian Odhiambo Makori, a fisherman whose body was later recovered from Lake Nakuru after he went missing in January 2025 following an encounter with Kenya Wildlife Service officers. The case remains under investigation.
Within ODM, Sifuna has faced calls to align with the party’s official position. Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo stated on April 11, 2026, that party leadership expects discipline and adherence to collective decisions.
The developments highlight ongoing debates within the party over leadership roles and positions on governance and accountability.