NAIROBI, Kenya- Edwin Watenya Sifuna is one of Kenya’s most prominent opposition politicians, serving as the Senator for Nairobi City County and Secretary‑General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Known for his legal background and vocal political presence, Sifuna has played a central role in shaping his party’s strategy and representing Nairobi residents in the Senate.
Early Life and Education
Edwin Sifuna was born on 22 May 1982 in Mumias, Kakamega County, into a family with roots in public service, his father worked as a civil servant and his mother was a teacher.
He began his education at Kakamega Township Primary School and later attended Musingu High School.
Sifuna went on to study law at the University of Nairobi, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 2006, before completing his postgraduate diploma at the Kenya School of Law in 2007.
He was admitted to the Roll of Advocates in 2008, qualifying him to practice law in Kenya.
Legal Career
Before joining full‑time politics, Sifuna built a career as a lawyer.
He worked in legal and administrative roles in the private sector and later founded his own law firm, E. Sifuna & Associates Advocates in Nairobi.
During his legal career, he was active in the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and was part of reform initiatives aimed at improving accountability and governance within the legal professional body.
Political Ascent
Sifuna’s journey in politics began through advisory roles in opposition coalitions.
From 2013 to 2016, he served on the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) Technical/Advisory Committee, and later on a similar committee for the National Super Alliance (NASA).
In the 2017 general election, Sifuna sought the ODM nomination for Kanduyi Constituency but did not secure it.
Later that year, he was nominated by ODM to contest the Nairobi Senate seat, but narrowly lost to the incumbent.
Rise in ODM Leadership
In February 2018, Sifuna was appointed Secretary‑General of the Orange Democratic Movement, replacing Ababu Namwamba.
In this role, he became influential in party strategy, coordination, and public messaging on key national issues.
Under his leadership, ODM has remained a vocal opposition force in Kenyan politics, particularly on constitutional reform and electoral matters.
His tenure has sometimes attracted criticism from political rivals who have challenged his position as party SG, reflecting internal and national political tensions.
Senator for Nairobi
Sifuna ran again for the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2022 general election and was successful, garnering 716,876 votes to defeat his closest rival. He was sworn in as Senator on 8 September 2022.
In February 2023, he was appointed Deputy Minority Whip in the Senate, enhancing his leadership role in the opposition.
His legislative work includes sponsoring bills and participating in key Senate committee deliberations, where he has been noted for robust oversight and advocacy.
A recent survey by the Leeway Africa Research Agency placed Sifuna among the best‑performing senators in the country, with a high approval rating attributed to his active representation of county interests and engagement on national issues.
Public Image and Influence
Sifuna is known for his outspoken political style, especially in defending ODM’s positions and challenging government policies.
His visibility in media and strong engagement on issues ranging from governance to urban development has made him a widely recognised figure in Kenyan politics.
His role has, at times, attracted calls from some politicians for him to resign from party leadership, underscoring the contested nature of his public influence and internal party debates.
Personal Life
Sifuna is married with a daughter and comes from the Luhya ethnic group, specifically the Bukusu sub‑tribe.
He is also active in social causes, advocating for youth and women empowerment within his party structures and public engagements.
