Gachagua Urges Sifuna to Quit ODM, Says Party No Longer Has a Place for Him - K21

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Friday, July 3, 2026

Gachagua Urges Sifuna to Quit ODM, Says Party No Longer Has a Place for Him

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his calls for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), arguing that the outspoken politician no longer has a future in the party following his removal as Secretary-General.

Speaking during a meeting with Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) delegates from Nairobi County at his Wamunyoro residence on Tuesday, June 30, Gachagua questioned why Sifuna was still holding onto a party that, in his view, had already pushed him aside.

According to Gachagua, Sifuna should formally resign from ODM and join the Democracy for Citizens Party, where he would continue pursuing his political career alongside leaders committed to offering Kenyans an alternative ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The former deputy president maintained that Sifuna remains one of the country's most influential opposition politicians and insisted that his leadership qualities would be appreciated within DCP.

"Why remain in a party that no longer values your contribution? There is room for leaders who are committed to serving Kenyans, and Sifuna would be welcome," Gachagua said during the gathering.

This is not the first time Gachagua has publicly invited the Nairobi senator to join his political camp. Over recent months, he has repeatedly stated that DCP would gladly support Sifuna's political ambitions, including backing him for re-election as Nairobi senator if he chose to leave ODM.

Gachagua has also continued to accuse President William Ruto of attempting to gain control of ODM following the death of the party's long-serving leader, Raila Odinga. According to the former deputy president, the alleged influence over ODM is intended to weaken the opposition and consolidate political power ahead of the 2027 elections.

His latest remarks come at a time when ODM continues to experience internal political tensions that have dominated national political discussions.

The controversy escalated after the party's National Executive Committee met in Mombasa and resolved to remove Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General. The decision was reportedly based on concerns relating to discipline within the party leadership.

However, Sifuna strongly rejected the move, arguing that his removal was politically motivated. He maintained that his only mistake was refusing to support President Ruto's administration and insisting that ODM should continue playing its constitutional role as a strong opposition party.

The dispute has deepened divisions within the party, particularly between leaders supporting closer cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration and those insisting that ODM should remain independent.

Despite the political uncertainty surrounding his future, Sifuna has not publicly announced whether he intends to leave ODM or remain in the party.

Instead, he has focused on strengthening the Linda Mwananchi movement, a political faction that has consistently opposed ODM's cooperation with the government.

The movement has announced plans to embark on an extensive nationwide mobilisation campaign covering at least 24 counties before making a major political declaration expected in Nairobi later this year.

Political observers believe the announcement could clarify whether the Linda Mwananchi movement intends to field its own presidential candidate or work with a broader opposition coalition seeking to challenge President Ruto in the next election.

Meanwhile, Gachagua has continued consulting opposition leaders through what he describes as a 45-day consultative retreat at his Wamunyoro residence.

The consultations are aimed at building consensus around a single opposition presidential candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge in the 2027 General Election.

During several meetings, Gachagua has stated that he would be willing to sacrifice his own presidential ambitions if doing so would help unite the opposition behind one candidate.

He has argued that opposition unity will be critical if leaders hope to present a formidable challenge against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Political analysts say Gachagua's repeated public appeals to Sifuna reflect wider efforts to attract influential opposition figures into a united political alliance ahead of the elections.

At the same time, they note that Sifuna has remained cautious, choosing not to reveal his long-term political strategy while developments continue unfolding within ODM.

His silence has fueled speculation about his next move, with supporters and critics closely watching whether he will remain loyal to ODM despite his removal from the party's top administrative position or accept invitations from emerging opposition formations.

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