BUMULA, Kenya — Edwin Sifuna has dismissed suggestions that his removal as secretary-general of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will diminish his political influence, declaring that his mandate comes from the electorate rather than a party office.
Speaking on Saturday during the burial of the late brother of Jack Wamboka in Bumula Constituency, Bungoma County, the Nairobi senator announced plans to convene a major political rally later this month as he steps up engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna said the meeting would bring together leaders and residents from across Bungoma County to discuss development priorities, regional interests and Kenya’s political direction as the country moves closer to the next polls.
“We will soon hold a major meeting in Bungoma where we shall discuss the future of our county, our region and our country,” Sifuna said.
He described the planned gathering as the beginning of a broader political engagement process aimed at developing a shared roadmap for Western Kenya and the nation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The announcement comes amid heightened political activity in the region and follows a recent public exchange between Sifuna and Didmus Barasa during a funeral in Bungoma, where the two leaders traded sharp remarks over national politics and the performance of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Addressing recent changes within ODM, Sifuna maintained that his political future remains secure despite no longer serving as the party’s secretary-general.
“I was elected by the people before becoming secretary-general, and I will continue serving them regardless of the position I hold in the party.”
He argued that party positions are temporary and should not define a leader’s relevance, insisting that democratic legitimacy is derived from the electorate rather than internal party appointments.
Sifuna has, in recent months, emerged as one of the most outspoken voices within ODM on issues surrounding the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.
His criticism of the rapprochement has occasionally placed him at odds with sections of the party leadership, reflecting broader debates over ODM’s political direction.
The meeting is expected to add momentum to the increasingly active political season as parties and individual leaders position themselves for what is shaping up to be an intensely contested 2027 election cycle.