Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during a rally in Bungoma on July 26, 2026 ./COURTERSY
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has suggested that those who genuinely believed in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should be allowed to seek a new political home.
Addressing supporters at Poster Grounds in Bungoma County on Sunday, Sifuna said loyal ODM supporters should not feel compelled to remain in the party.
"Those who truly believed in ODM, give us the permission to look for another party," he said.
His remarks come as he continues to challenge his removal as ODM secretary general in court, setting the stage for what could become a fresh political battle within the party.
The senator made the comments during a tour that also saw residents of Kiminini in Trans Nzoia County turn a roadside political rally into an impromptu fundraising drive for the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Supporters donated amounts ranging from Sh20 coins to Sh50 notes and other small denominations, with videos circulating on social media showing residents pushing through crowds to hand over cash to Sifuna's convoy.
Receiving the donations, Sifuna said the gesture reflected his belief that political movements should be financed by ordinary Kenyans rather than wealthy individuals seeking influence.
"They said one cannot be president in this country without money. I would rather be indebted to the people giving me as little as Sh10 than be indebted to one person who will give me Sh10 million," he told supporters.
Sifuna argued that leaders backed by a handful of wealthy financiers often face pressure to repay political favours after assuming office.
"Those people will give you Sh10 million and then follow us when we take over the leadership of the country and demand to be given huge contracts," he said.
"If you give them the job, they will not do it. They will not build any road for you," he added.
The remarks came as Sifuna presses ahead with his legal bid to reclaim the position of ODM secretary general.
He has returned to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal seeking to overturn a decision by the Registrar of Political Parties recognising his removal from the post.
On July 9, the Registrar of Political Parties formally recognised Sifuna's removal after finding that the process complied with both the Political Parties Act and the ODM constitution.
Registrar of Political Parties John Lorionokou said the decision followed a review of documents submitted by ODM and the absence of a response from Sifuna.
"Upon review of the documents submitted by the party and the lack of response from Edwin Sifuna, we note that the removal of the party secretary general was in line with the Political Parties Act and the ODM party constitution," Lorionokou said in a letter to the party.
However, Sifuna has since filed an amended complaint before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal seeking to quash the Registrar's decision to ratify the ODM National Executive Committee's resolution removing him from office.
