Sifuna endorsed for presidency as Western leaders threaten to ditch ODM

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addresses the media on the Cooperation  Agreement between the  National Government and Nairobi County at Red Cross Media Centre, Parliament Buildings, Nairobi on February 18, 2026 [Fie-Standard]

A political realignment is unfolding in Western Kenya, with key leaders in Kakamega and Vihiga counties breaking ranks with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to endorse Nairobi Senator  Edwin Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi movement.

The development has triggered sharp internal divisions within ODM and is being viewed as a direct challenge to the region’s dominant Kenya Kwanza figures, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

In Kakamega County, a group of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) has accused Governor Fernandes Barasa and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera of masterminding their removal from strategic Assembly committees as punishment for supporting Sifuna.

The MCAs claim the move is part of a broader effort to suppress dissenting voices within the party ahead of major Linda Mwananchi rallies scheduled for this weekend in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.

Led by Lumakanda Ward MCA Bernard Bokanda, who until recently served as the Assembly Majority Chief Whip, the group held a press briefing in Kakamega to voice their grievances.

Bokanda revealed he was replaced by Likuyani Ward MCA Brian Mafunga due to his unwavering loyalty to Sifuna. “The governor’s hand is behind these woes, together with Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera. They are punishing us for exercising our democratic right to support Edwin Sifuna,” Bokanda stated.

He alleged that several MCAs sympathetic to the Linda Mwananchi movement had been stripped of committee positions in a calculated attempt to silence them.

Bokanda dismissed suggestions that Sifuna should instead position himself as a running mate to President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

“Those leaders from Western Kenya asking Sifuna to deputise President Ruto are misguided. They should instead cross over and support Sifuna because that is where the people are headed,” he asserted.

He described Sifuna as the region’s best opportunity to produce a president, noting that unlike previous aspirants, Sifuna’s bid is driven by a genuine people’s movement rather than personal ambition.

Koyonzo Ward MCA Donald Okumu, whose ward lies in Governor Barasa’s political stronghold, echoed these sentiments. He declared readiness to forfeit any leadership position for backing Sifuna.

“If supporting him means losing our positions in the County Assembly, then so be it. This is our son and a leader who has been accepted not only in Western Kenya but across the country,” Okumu said.

He urged regional ODM leaders to stop opposing the senator, emphasizing that Sifuna’s strength lies in popular support rather than financial resources.Mautuma Ward MCA Charles Anyona added that the political landscape has evolved.

“Kenyans are wiser today. They may receive politicians’ money, but they will still vote where their hearts are. Their hearts are with Sifuna,” he remarked.

Anyona warned against interference with the upcoming rallies, stating that underestimating the movement could lead to political irrelevance.

In Vihiga County, a powerful coalition of elders has thrown its weight behind Sifuna, formally announcing their exit from ODM to join Linda Mwananchi.

Led by Vihiga Elders Council chairman and former Bahati MP Fred Omido, the group described Sifuna as the leader best positioned to unite Western Kenya and restore its national influence.

“We have resolved to stand with Edwin Sifuna because he has demonstrated courage, consistency and the willingness to speak for ordinary Kenyans. Western Kenya needs a fearless leader, and we believe he is equal to the task,” Omido said.

 In a statement read by Dr Job Osiako, the elders blamed ODM’s internal wrangles and Sifuna’s removal as Secretary-General for the party’s loss of its founding ideals.

Tiriki elder Oscar Bulemi was blunt: “ODM is politically dead in Western Kenya. The future belongs to Linda Mwananchi.

” Patrick Ongaya, who coordinated the meeting, stressed that the region had waited decades to produce a president and must now rally behind capable leaders.

“We cannot continue playing second fiddle in national politics,” he declared.

The endorsements highlight deepening fractures within ODM in its traditional Western Kenya stronghold.

Political observers see Sifuna’s growing momentum as a significant test for Mudavadi and Wetang’ula’s influence.

With the Linda Mwananchi rallies in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia expected to draw large crowds, the coming days could further clarify the shifting loyalties in the region.

The MCAs and elders insist their support stems from conviction, not personal gain, and remain prepared to exit ODM entirely if the party continues what they term punitive actions.

As Western Kenya’s political temperature rises, the Linda Mwananchi movement appears poised to reshape the 2027 electoral landscape.