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‘That Will Be the End of ODM’: Orengo Defends Sifuna Amid Party Rift

Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a stern warning that any attempt to remove Edwin Sifuna as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General could spell the party’s downfall. He delivered the message during a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, January 25, 2026, as tensions within ODM continue to rise following the death of party leader Raila Odinga last year. Orengo lauded Sifuna’s leadership and loyalty, arguing that the party’s survival depends on protecting its top officials from internal power struggles. He accused unnamed factions within ODM of pursuing personal agendas that threaten the party’s unity and undermining the principles that Raila Odinga championed. “Nataka niwaakikishie ya kwamba, mtu akidhubutu kumtoa Sifuna katika ODM secretary general, that will be the end of ODM,” Orengo said. His remarks came amid speculation that some ODM leaders are considering cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Respect for the Odinga Family Orengo also urged party members to respect the Odinga family, noting the heavy personal sacrifices they endured during Raila Odinga’s political career. He called on ODM supporters to stop attacking the family and instead honor Raila’s legacy. “Unajua bado tunalia sana Baba alizikwa mwaka jana. Na nataka niseme kwamba lazima tupatie heshima familia ya Raila Amollo Odinga,” he said. He reflected on the struggles faced by Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, and their children, including Winnie Odinga, during years of political persecution and detention. Orengo encouraged party members to pray for the family and reject attempts to exploit them in internal ODM conflicts. “Mama Ida amepitia mengi sana. Ameishi miaka kumi kama Raila Odinga yuko gerezani, na hao watoto wake kina Winnie wamepata mateso makubwa sana. Kwa hivyo mimi nataka tumwombee Raila Amollo Odinga pamoja na familia yake. Na hatutaki watu wachezee familia ya Raila Amollo Odinga.” Honoring Raila’s Vision Orengo further urged ODM members to look to Raila Odinga’s speeches and writings for guidance, saying the former party leader clearly outlined his vision for the party and the country. “Mtu akitaka kujua ni nini Raila Amollo Odinga alisema, skia sauti yake, angalia maandishi yake. ….na alikuwa ameweka sahihi, na hayo alikuwa maeweka sahihi, Sifuna alikuwa pale, na aliweka sahihi pamoja na Rais William Ruto.” Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Telegram

admin Published: January 26, 2026 | Updated: January 26, 2026 2 minutes read

Orengo lauded Sifuna’s leadership and loyalty, arguing that the party’s survival depends on protecting its top officials from internal power struggles. He accused unnamed factions within ODM of pursuing personal agendas that threaten the party’s unity and undermining the principles that Raila Odinga championed.

“Nataka niwaakikishie ya kwamba, mtu akidhubutu kumtoa Sifuna katika ODM secretary general, that will be the end of ODM,” Orengo said. His remarks came amid speculation that some ODM leaders are considering cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Respect for the Odinga Family

Orengo also urged party members to respect the Odinga family, noting the heavy personal sacrifices they endured during Raila Odinga’s political career. He called on ODM supporters to stop attacking the family and instead honor Raila’s legacy.

“Unajua bado tunalia sana Baba alizikwa mwaka jana. Na nataka niseme kwamba lazima tupatie heshima familia ya Raila Amollo Odinga,” he said.

He reflected on the struggles faced by Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, and their children, including Winnie Odinga, during years of political persecution and detention. Orengo encouraged party members to pray for the family and reject attempts to exploit them in internal ODM conflicts.

“Mama Ida amepitia mengi sana. Ameishi miaka kumi kama Raila Odinga yuko gerezani, na hao watoto wake kina Winnie wamepata mateso makubwa sana. Kwa hivyo mimi nataka tumwombee Raila Amollo Odinga pamoja na familia yake. Na hatutaki watu wachezee familia ya Raila Amollo Odinga.”

Honoring Raila’s Vision

Orengo further urged ODM members to look to Raila Odinga’s speeches and writings for guidance, saying the former party leader clearly outlined his vision for the party and the country.

“Mtu akitaka kujua ni nini Raila Amollo Odinga alisema, skia sauti yake, angalia maandishi yake. ….na alikuwa ameweka sahihi, na hayo alikuwa maeweka sahihi, Sifuna alikuwa pale, na aliweka sahihi pamoja na Rais William Ruto.”