Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has ruled out the possibility of serving as Secretary General under Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga following his ratification as leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking during a gathering organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction at Ufungamano House on Friday, March 27, 2026, Sifuna openly rejected the idea of working under the new leadership structure.

“Oburu tafuta SG wako, mimi siwezi kuwa SG wa Oburu. Wacha leo niseme hapa mbele ya mwenyezi Mungu. I will not be the SG of mediocrity. After Baba Raila Amollo Odinga, you characters do not deserve me. I will say this without fear,” he said.

The remarks were made as police attempted to disrupt the parallel meeting, which had been convened by members of the faction aligned with Sifuna and other leaders questioning recent developments within the party.

Oburu ratified at ODM delegates convention

The remarks came on the same day ODM delegates held a Special National Delegates Convention at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi where Oburu Odinga was ratified as the party’s national leader.

During the convention, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga read the resolution confirming Oburu’s leadership before Suna East MP Junet Mohamed announced the outcome after a motion was proposed and seconded by delegates. Oburu later received the party’s constitutional instruments as delegates endorsed his leadership.

The meeting also removed Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi from the position of deputy party leader as part of wider changes within the party leadership structure.

Delegates further authorised Oburu to initiate coalition discussions with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Parallel meeting exposes internal divisions

Sifuna’s remarks during the Ufungamano House meeting highlighted differences within the party following the leadership changes.

Members of the Linda Mwananchi faction organised what they described as a “People’s NDC,” maintaining that the gathering was meant to protect the party’s founding ideals.

In his speech, Sifuna questioned the possibility of continuing in the Secretary General role under the current leadership.

“Mnataka kuniambia naweza kuwa katibu mkuu wa ODM miaka nane and then I become the SG of mediocrity,” he said.

The meeting took place amid a visible police presence outside Ufungamano House as participants continued with their deliberations.

The parallel events in Nairobi reflected differing positions within the party over its leadership direction and future alliances.