By Tony Wafula, Bungoma
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is making a concerted effort to reinforce its position at the grassroots level as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.
On Thursday, the party launched its new office in Bungoma, marking a significant step toward strengthening its presence in the region.
Speaking during the launch, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna responded to the concerns among some of the party’s supporters who have claimed that the ODM’s influence has waned in Bungoma notably, the party only holds one elected Member of the County Assembly (MCA) in Bungoma.
In addition, Sifuna strongly dismissed the claims that the party was in disarray, urging the delegates to ignore the malicious rumors suggesting that ODM was in decline.
“Stop calling yourselves orphans,” Sifuna said firmly. “Yours truly, the Secretary General, is here to assure you that ODM is strong, intact and continues to play its role as the leading opposition party, providing oversight to the Kenya Kwanza government,” he stated.
Sifuna also emphasized that the party had faced challenges in the past, particularly in terms of selecting candidates in coalition agreements with other political parties.
However, he hinted that ODM was committed to ensuring it put forward its own candidates in future elections, including the MCA and even the Presidency.
He criticized the practice of zoning by other coalition parties, stating that ODM would not allow other parties to present candidates who would not deliver the necessary seats for the party.
“We’ve had challenges in the past when other parties in coalition front candidates who don’t deliver. In 2027, we will not allow that to happen,” he said, signaling ODM’s readiness to take control of its political destiny.
Addressing the issue of ODM members who have joined the government, Sifuna made it clear that there was no agreement between the ruling party, UDA and ODM.
He explained that the ODM members who joined the government were doing so to help fulfill their mandates, rather than to represent the party’s interests directly.
“There is no agreement between ODM and the ruling government. Those who joined the government went there to work and help deliver on the promises made to the people. They are not there to represent ODM,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna also highlighted a significant financial challenge that the party faces accusing the government of withholding Sh12 billion owed to ODM funds that could have been used to establish party offices at the ward level.
The failure to release this money, according to Sifuna, has hindered the party’s ability to build its infrastructure and strengthen its grassroots operations.
“This government pretends to be our friend, but why are they holding our Sh12 billion?” Sifuna posed.
“That money could have helped us establish offices at the ward level, but they’re holding it back. This is a deliberate attempt to weaken us,” he argued.
ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, Godfrey Otsosi, who was present at the event, also took the opportunity to rally behind Sifuna, dismissing calls for his ouster.
This came in the wake of a recent statement by Makadara MP George Aladwa, who had called for Sifuna’s removal as secretary general.
Otsosi, however, made it clear that the party stood firmly behind Sifuna.
“We will not allow anyone to frustrate Sifuna. He is our own and nobody can oust him. Ignore such divisive talk,” Otsosi declared, expressing full support for the SG’s leadership.
Also in attendance were Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and his Matayos counterpart Geoffrey Odanga, who showed their solidarity with the ODM leadership.
