Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has extended her congratulations to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as he marks seven years as the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a statement shared on her X account on Sunday, February 23, 2025, Passaris lauded Sifuna for his leadership and dedication to the party, describing his tenure as remarkable. She praised his role in steering ODM which she referred to as Kenya’s number one political party, if not the entire continent.
The lawmaker also expressed her wishes for Sifuna to continue serving ODM and the country with wisdom, further commending his efforts in maintaining the party’s strength and influence.
“A hearty congratulations to Senator Sifuna, SG of the ODM Party, for holding the Secretary-General position for seven remarkable years. Steering the number one political party in Kenya—if not the whole of Africa—is no feat. My prayer today is for God to grant you the wisdom to continue being of formidable service to ODM and to Kenya. Cheers to the next seven years,” she wrote.
Earlier, Sifuna, who also serves as Nairobi Senator took to social media to reflect on his tenure, emphasizing the importance of loyalty, fidelity, and faithfulness in leadership. He acknowledged the foundation laid by former ODM Secretary General Gerald Otieno Kajwang and credited it for shaping his approach to the role.
“Time does fly when you are having fun. It’s 7 years to the day today! It’s very easy to be the SG of ODM. You just need to follow the blueprint left by Gerald Otieno Kajwang: Loyalty. Fidelity. Faithfulness. Easy as ABC,” he wrote.
Despite the celebratory messages, Sifuna’s anniversary comes at a time when ODM is facing internal challenges, with reports of discord within the party making headlines. Additionally, Sifuna has recently faced threats of removal from his position.
Strife in ODM
ODM’s Nairobi branch chairperson, George Aladwa raised concern over Sifuna’s disloyalty to the party, warning of potential disciplinary action.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Aladwa claimed that Sifuna was acting as a mole within the party and hinted at a possible ouster. He further accused Sifuna of leaning towards opposing political camps, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“I want to warn Sifuna, who refers to himself as the Secretary General of ODM, that we have had many SGs who were way more powerful like Ababu Namwamba and the rest. Even him, he will go the way Ababu did,” Aladwa stated.
His remarks followed Sifuna’s recent presence at a church service in Kawangware, where he was spotted alongside opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa. Both politicians have previously signalled an openness to working with Gachagua, fueling speculation about shifting political alliances.
Aladwa went on to claim that Sifuna was collaborating with Gachagua, citing his stance during the impeachment of the former Deputy President.
“He is being used by Gachagua. Even during the impeachment of the former DP, he brought us a lot of trouble. He just voted because people were voting, and we know that he is their preferred candidate for the Governor’s seat here in Nairobi,” Aladwa asserted.
Sifuna also appeared on a local television program, where he made it clear that he would not support President William Ruto in the next election.
“I will not vote for Ruto in 2027. I cannot support a regime that has destroyed lives, our economy, and is killing our people,” he stated.
The ODM Secretary-General also expressed confidence that President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 would be unsuccessful, even if opposition leader Raila Odinga were to back him.
“Even if ODM supports Ruto, he will still lose. As a party, we do not support either the internal affairs or the external affairs of the way this country is being run. William Ruto will lose that election with Raila’s support,” Sifuna declared.
He reiterated that ODM would only form alliances with parties that align with its principles and prioritize the welfare of the people.
“ODM will only enter into alliances with political parties that are like-minded. That is pro-people, that can manage the country. You are not going to force us into an alliance with incompetent people and it has been demonstrated that the Kenya Kwanza government is the most incompetent so far from independence,” he added.
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