The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly backed embattled ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, praising his leadership during a lively Linda Mwananchi rally held in Shamakhokho, Vihiga County.
Speaking to a large crowd, Orengo said Sifuna stands out as the best Secretary General the party has ever had, adding that he was relaying sentiments he attributed to party leader Raila Odinga.
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He further claimed that Raila had expressed confidence in Sifuna, suggesting that when he speaks, he speaks for both the party and its leadership.
Orengo firmly told supporters that Sifuna should remain in office, dismissing any calls for his removal and urging the crowd to affirm their support.
He also used the platform to rally backing for the Linda Mwananchi faction, describing it as a major political force and insisting it should field a presidential candidate in future elections.
Sifuna’s position has faced internal disputes since early 2026, when ODM’s National Executive Council moved to remove him over alleged disciplinary issues.
However, he challenged the decision at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, which temporarily blocked his removal and barred formal implementation of the decision while internal processes are pursued.
As of now, Sifuna continues to serve as Secretary-General under court protection, with ongoing legal and party processes still unresolved.
The Vihiga event is part of a wider mobilisation tour by the Linda Mwananchi faction, which includes leaders such as Orengo, Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Godfrey Osotsi, as they seek to strengthen their influence across Western Kenya.
The group continues to draw large crowds while positioning itself as aligned to ODM’s founding ideals, even as internal tensions within the party persist.
