Speculation is swirling in Kenya’s political circles after ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s fiery weekend appearance at Apostle Manyuru’s church reignited debate over his political future.
Sifuna, who doubles as Nairobi Senator and Deputy Minority Whip in the Senate, insisted he remains firmly rooted in ODM.
“Mimi kule kwenye Senate ni naibu wa kiranja wa wabunge walio wachache, mimi bado ndio katibu mkuu wa chama cha ODM,” he said, reaffirming his loyalty.
Read: Raila Odinga Defends Edwin Sifuna, Reaffirms His Role as ODM Spokesperson
Yet whispers of a possible breakaway continue to grow louder, with political watchers pointing to his increasingly independent tone and the rising perception that ODM’s leadership vacuum could push him toward forming his own party.
The event, which drew key opposition figures, took an unexpected twist when Embakasi East MP Babu Owino declared that the fight against corruption should be handed to religious leaders like Apostle Manyuru.
“Instead ya kuform ile multiagency team ya ku fight corruption, nataka uchukue apostles serious men and women of God like apostle Manyuru… huyu mtu akiwekwa kufight corruption pamoja na like-minded men and women of God si corruption itaisha?” he said, drawing loud applause.
Babu went further, declaring: “Apostle will pray for corrupt government officials to eat grass like Nebuchadnezzar.” His statement instantly went viral online, with supporters and critics alike weighing in on whether the Church could be a new front in the war on graft.
Read: Charges against Babu Owino have been withdrawn by Dj Evolve
Against this backdrop, Sifuna’s strong appearance and refusal to deny mounting political speculation has only fueled more debate. Could he be positioning himself for a bigger role beyond ODM?
ODM insiders quietly admit that the party, still recovering from election setbacks, has not clarified its post-Raila Odinga roadmap. Some argue Sifuna’s youthful energy and sharp rhetoric place him in pole position to capture disillusioned opposition supporters.
However, others warn that breaking away would split ODM further and weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. Party veterans insist Sifuna’s future remains within ODM, but acknowledge his influence could reshape the party’s destiny.
What makes the speculation sharper is timing. With the 2027 elections looming, Kenya’s political landscape is in flux, and new parties are expected to emerge. If Sifuna were to launch his own movement, it could alter alliances, eat into ODM’s traditional base, and potentially position him as a kingmaker or even a presidential contender.
For now, Sifuna publicly insists he is ODM “to the core.” But in Kenyan politics, public declarations and private ambitions often diverge. Whether he remains in Raila Odinga’s camp or charts his own course, one thing is certain: Edwin Sifuna is a man to watch as 2027 draws near.
Do you want to be published? Email info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or WhatsApp 0721930260
