“I Thought You Were My True Friend” — Sifuna Hurt After Arati Allegedly Joins ‘Sifuna Must Go’ Chants

Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has publicly expressed disappointment after claims emerged that Kisii Governor Simba Arati allegedly joined political chants calling for his removal from a key party position.

Speaking during a public gathering, Sifuna emotionally opened up about the growing fallout between him and Arati, admitting that he never expected the governor to support the “Sifuna must go” slogans. 

The Nairobi Senator said he had always viewed Arati as one of his closest political friends within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

“I thought Simba Arati was my true friend. I didn’t think he would ever fight me,” Sifuna told the crowd, drawing reactions from supporters and leaders present at the event.

According to Sifuna, hearing reports that Arati allegedly backed efforts aimed at pushing him out of his influential role within ODM came as a major shock. 

The senator suggested that the incident had forced him to rethink their friendship and political relationship moving forward.

The remarks have now intensified speculation about widening cracks within ODM as senior leaders continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

Political tensions within the opposition party have recently become more visible, especially as regional leaders seek greater influence in party affairs and succession politics begin taking shape.

Sifuna further hinted that he could respond politically to the attacks by supporting similar resistance against Arati’s leadership. His comments appeared to signal a possible escalation in the rivalry between the two outspoken ODM figures.

The senator’s statement triggered mixed reactions among supporters and political leaders attending the gathering. 

While some backed Sifuna and accused Arati of betrayal, others urged the two leaders to settle their differences privately to avoid deepening divisions within the party.

Several ODM supporters expressed concern that the public exchange could weaken party unity at a time when the opposition is attempting to reorganize and strengthen itself ahead of the next election cycle.

Political analysts say the disagreement may reflect deeper struggles within ODM over leadership influence, regional dominance, and the future direction of the party. 

Others believe the conflict is part of normal political competition that often emerges as elections draw closer.

The fallout also comes shortly after political tensions were witnessed during the burial ceremony of the late Mama Teresa Nyaboke Omoke, mother of Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka. 

During the burial, anti-Arati chants reportedly dominated parts of the gathering, with leaders openly discussing possible political alternatives for Kisii County leadership ahead of 2027.

Observers now believe the relationship between Sifuna and Arati may face even greater strain unless party leaders intervene and help cool tensions between the two camps.

Online, the remarks have continued to generate widespread debate, with supporters of both politicians defending their preferred leaders. 

Some social media users argued that political interests often change friendships in Kenyan politics, while others called for unity among ODM leaders to avoid weakening the party internally.

Despite the growing tension, neither Arati nor his close allies have publicly issued a detailed response to Sifuna’s latest emotional remarks. 

However, political watchers expect the exchange to continue shaping conversations within ODM as leaders prepare for the increasingly competitive 2027 political landscape.