ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Raila Odinga stood firmly by him, consistently defending his position within the party. Sources indicate that while Odinga\u2019s family supported Sifuna, they also allowed party organs to make independent decisions.
\nOnce a dominant political force in Nyanza, Western Kenya, Nairobi, the Coast region, and parts of the Rift Valley, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has experienced a marked decline in popularity. The party\u2019s influence now appears largely confined to Kisumu and four neighboring counties. Political analysts warn that in the coming years, ODM risks being overshadowed \u2014 or even gradually absorbed \u2014 by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as key decisions increasingly seem aligned with the interests of the government.
\nPolitical projections suggest that Sifuna is likely to retain his Senate seat, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is emerging as a strong contender for the Nairobi gubernatorial race. Alongside leaders such as Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, they are viewed as part of a new generation poised to shape Kenya\u2019s evolving political landscape.
\nMeanwhile, veteran politicians including John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Junet Mohamed, and Gladys Wanga are expected to continue voicing concerns over what they describe as marginalization under President William Ruto\u2019s administration.
\nObservers note that Sifuna has maintained a crucial political asset: public sympathy. Analysts believe this goodwill could translate into significant political capital in the months ahead. The appointment of Oburu Odinga as ODM chairman \u2014 a figure some critics perceive as disconnected from youth concerns \u2014 has intensified debate within the party. Critics argue that the move could signal growing external influence over ODM\u2019s internal affairs, potentially prompting younger leaders to reconsider their positions within the party.
\nConspicuously silent in the unfolding developments is Kisumu Governor Anyang\u2019 Nyong\u2019o. During Raila Odinga\u2019s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, Nyong\u2019o effectively steered party affairs in the leader\u2019s absence. However, as debate intensifies over the party\u2019s direction, he has remained quiet, fueling speculation over which faction he might support. Political observers are closely watching to see whether he will align himself with Siaya Governor James Orengo\u2019s camp or back Oburu Odinga\u2019s leadership within the party.
\nAnalysts further suggest that Raila Odinga\u2019s refusal to oust Sifuna was a calculated move aimed at preserving party unity and maintaining strategic influence at a time when ODM faces an uncertain political future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Raila Odinga stood firmly by him, consistently defending his position within the party. Sources indicate that while Odinga\u2019s family supported Sifuna, they also allowed party organs…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics"],"yoast_head":"\n