Yesterday’s remarks made by Orange Democratic Movement ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna regarding the impending by-elections have alarmed Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai.
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Alai posted a statement on his X page explaining how the SG’s comments regarding the impending by-election and cautions about introducing two-term issues in the ODM could backfire against the party.
Alai claims that the claim that ODM candidates and others should refrain from using the two-term chants during the party’s campaigns may pave the way for ODM candidates to stop running.
“Sifuna was signaling to ODM’s adversaries to launch a campaign against the party. These opponents of ODM in Magarini are leveraging Sifuna’s statements to target ODM candidates in the area. The DCP Magarini candidate, Karisa Kenga, is utilizing Sifuna’s words to bolster their campaign messages in Magarini,” he stated.
His sentiments follow Sifuna’s warning to politicians about using pro-Ruto chants while campaigning for ODM candidates in the upcoming by-elections.
The SG emphasized that ODM is focused on preserving its unity regarding the direction the party will take for the 2027 elections, which has yet to be determined.
Not presidential elections
“The upcoming by-election is for the Members of the County Assemblies and MPs. There is no presidential election, so I want to advise those campaigning for our candidates not to introduce two-term chants into our campaigns,” he stated.
He also rejected the notion of any pre-election collaboration between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and his Orange party to form a united front in the forthcoming mini-polls.
Broad-based is not party
“The agreement we reached with UDA does not amount to a coalition agreement. I hear people claiming there are broad-based candidates in the by-elections. Broad-based is not a party, and thus, it has no candidates,” he remarked.
The senator affirmed that ODM will participate in the elections as a unified entity with its own symbol and candidates.
Sifuna connected the chants to an unwarranted premature position on the party’s approach to the upcoming 2027 elections, cautioning that the decision lies with the top leadership.
