Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has offered rare praise for the embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, hailing his debating skills and leadership acumen.

In an interview with a local radio station on Thursday, January 8, 2025, Oketch—who has been at the centre of the abortive ouster bid against the Nairobi Senator from the ODM party—extolled Sifuna as someone he often consults while discharging their oversight responsibilities in the Senate.

Sharp senator

However, he maintained that he has disagreed with Sifuna’s tendency to take dissenting stances contrary to the party’s agreed-upon positions, a factor he attributes to the role Sifuna assumes as a top party official and bona fide spokesperson.

“Sifuna is a good debater and a good leader. He is sharp, and I have respect for him. We constantly advise each other. His voice could be more useful and put to good use if he stood by the party position,” he said.

The senator disclosed that his differences with Sifuna stemmed from the latter going contrary to agreed-upon guidelines and the party’s position.

Differences

“This issue is not being against Sifuna but the position he holds as the SG of the party. Other people can speak as they wish, but when you are in a position of influence, when you speak, it is the party that has spoken. There cannot be an excuse. There cannot be an excuse. Sifuna and other members of the Central Committee cannot run from the party position and agreed-upon issues.”

His remarks come a day after the embattled SG offered a conciliatory stance, pledging his readiness to reconcile with party colleagues, following a call for unity by Ida Odinga.

Sifuna extends an olive branch

In a statement made on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, during celebrations of Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday, Sifuna gave a reminder of the late party leader’s principles of dialogue, consultation, and collective decision-making.

“I have listened to Ida Odinga. There is no one in ODM I would not sit down with, no matter how many times they have insulted me. Mama Ida, you have asked us to sit and talk. I am very prepared; it doesn’t matter what happened between us, as Mama has said,” Sifuna said.

The Secretary General said he is committed to unity and reconciliation within ODM, adding that he will put in efforts to bring together members who may have experienced tension or disagreement in recent months.