“When He Tells Me I Won’t See Parliament Again, I Ask Him — Who Voted for You as ODM Secretary-General?” — Phelix Odiwuor Hits Back at Edwin Sifuna

 

The simmering political tension between Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, widely known as Jalang’o, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has now exploded into the public arena, exposing deeper cracks within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

In a fiery response to remarks allegedly made by Sifuna about his political future, Jalang’o questioned the senator’s authority to determine who gets to serve in Parliament. Speaking during a recent interview, the first-term MP did not hold back.

“When he tells me I won’t see Parliament again, I ask him — who voted for you as ODM Secretary-General? The people of Lang’ata voted for me. That is the only mandate that matters,” Jalang’o said.

His remarks come amid growing friction within ODM over loyalty and political strategy. 

Sifuna, who serves as the party’s Secretary-General, has been vocal about discipline within the ranks, especially targeting members perceived to be warming up to President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Jalang’o has, in recent months, been seen attending state functions and supporting development initiatives linked to the national government. 

While critics within the party view this as political betrayal, the Lang’ata MP insists his actions are driven by the needs of his constituents.

“I was elected to serve the people, not to fight political wars that do not put food on their tables,” he added.

The exchange highlights a broader debate within ODM about the balance between party loyalty and constituency service. 

While party officials emphasize unity and adherence to collective decisions, some elected leaders argue that voters expect tangible development results regardless of political alignments.

Political analysts suggest the confrontation reflects generational shifts within the opposition party. Younger leaders, backed by direct electoral support, appear increasingly willing to challenge established party hierarchies.