Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has highlighted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s emerging role in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) succession debate, emphasizing Sifuna’s growing significance in the party’s future leadership.
In a televised interview on a local station on May 11, 2026, Gakuya noted that Sifuna’s increasing influence within ODM is noteworthy and cannot be ignored.
Gakuya made these remarks during a broader discussion focused on fostering unity within the opposition as the 2027 general election approaches.
He stated, “Despite the divisions within ODM, the ODM-Sifuna faction poses a considerable challenge to the current government, which is represented by the ODM-Oburu and UDA alliances.”
The lawmaker highlighted Sifuna’s political support across Western Kenya and Nyanza, underscoring this as a crucial element of Sifuna’s rising prominence within the party.
Gakuya distinguished Sifuna’s previous electoral challenges from his current standing, asserting, “This is not the Sifuna who failed to secure a political seat… We are focused on the present.” He observed that, given the current political dynamics, the succession plan for the late Raila Odinga appears to be leaning towards Sifuna, emphasizing his influence in the evolving party landscape.
These comments arise amidst ongoing internal discussions within ODM about leadership succession following Raila Odinga’s pivotal role in the party.
Gakuya suggested that Sifuna would receive significant support if he chose to contest leadership positions in the Western and Nyanza regions against the faction associated with Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
He expressed confidence that Sifuna would likely secure a majority of those positions, reinforcing his belief that Sifuna deserves serious consideration in the succession discussions. These statements contribute to the ongoing dialogue about generational leadership change within ODM and the party’s future political direction.
Tensions within ODM have surfaced following the National Executive Committee’s decision in February 2026, which removed Sifuna from his role as secretary general. Sifuna has maintained that he remains the elected secretary general, citing the National Delegates Convention as the foundation of his authority.
Siaya Senator James Orengo has supported Sifuna, stating in an interview on May 6, 2026, that Sifuna was elected through a constitutional party process rather than appointed by party leadership.
Sifuna has also publicly expressed his concerns about what he describes as “mediocrity” in leadership and has called for unity among the opposition in preparation for the 2027 elections.
