Headache of wearing ODM secretary general’s crown

The seat of ODM secretary general is arguably one of the few positions in the country that carries so much weight and high expectations, sometimes it comes with a political price.

Over time, the seat demands loyalty, political tact, organisational skills and the ability to withstand the relentless pressure of opposition politics.

The SG, who is the official spokesperson, sits at the centre of it all—bridging the party’s top brass and its foot soldiers, while navigating both internal factions and external battles.

“The SG of ODM is not a bishop, he is not supposed to be a nice person, he is supposed to be a firm person,” Edwin Sifuna says.

The country’s new political order has even made the weight heavier, following the delicate balance of loyalty and accommodating the government’s realities.

As Kenyan politics shifts, leaving very thin line between the government and the opposition, Sifuna has remained unshaken exposing his office to attack from within and outside the party.

High-ranking party members who are accusing him of failing to align with the political realities have made calls for his removal.

Some say his outspoken criticism of the Kenya Kwanza indicates he is not aligning with the party’s stance.

Many times, Sifuna has maintained that ODM remains an opposition party and that members are free to criticise Kenya Kwanza as part of their oversight role.

"My brother Sifuna must know we made him secretary of the ODM party to speak on resolved party positions such as the Memorandum of Understanding between UDA and ODM, which lays the foundation for the broad-based government," said Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma.

"You can’t support the MoU and attack the broad-based government at the same time, my friend! In which government are you, if not the Government of Kenya? Who do you think you can dupe that ODM is not in government when the Party holds all those critical ministries and departments of government?"

Apart from Kaluma, Makadara MP George Aladwa slammed Sifuna whom he stated might join the growing list of ejected party leaders.

“I want to warn Sifuna, the one calling himself the secretary general of ODM. We've had many SGs before; he's not the first. Ababu left and he will also leave. He should completely stay away from me. I see he has insulted me a lot, but I want to tell him that his days in ODM are numbered,” he said in March.

Since its formation in almost two decades ago – the party has had three outstanding personalities occupying the seat.

Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o held the position in the parties formative years to 2014, handing the button to then Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba whose stay came to an end in 2016.

Ababu resigned citing lack of support from the top leadership.

Agnes Zani took over on acting capacity steering the giant party for two years before the National Governing Council settled on the current occupant.

Sifuna is now the longest serving SG – a feat many believe is not without challenges given the history of the party.

In a past interview with the Star, he opened up on how the late Otieno Kajwang’s fidelity and faithfulness mantra has kept it going.

“It is very hard to be SG and also very easy to be SG if you just maintain what the late Kajwang told us – fidelity, loyalty and faithfulness. It is very difficult to be SG of ODM because it is a mass movement,” he said.

He however admits being the SG has been one of the highest honours, given that he he took over when he was only 35 years old.

“It has been the honour of my life to serve as the SG of ODM, this party is very well loved by Kenyans and it is loved because of the things it stands for – its values, visions for the country and principles,” Sifuna said.

“If you consider that I was appointed SG at 35 years old, it is an honour. It has allowed me to have many friends across the country.”

The first term lawmaker who has recently come under heavy criticism over his position on broad-based government termed the incessant criticism as part of his normal day for the past eight years he has been at the helm of the entity.

“Every single day Since appointed as SG in 2018,I have been told I am going every day. If a day passes and somebody has not told you Sifuna this is your last day, then there is something wrong,” Sifuna said.

The firebrand politician was appointed SG in 2016 in an acting capacity succeeding Ababu Namwamba after boardroom negotiations.

He was confirmed to the position during the party’s National Delegates Convention in 2018 at the Kasarani Gymnasium.

Party members have been divided on whether Sifuna’s position reflects the true stance of ODM, with some officials rallying behind him.

It took Raila’s support of the fiery legislator during the burial of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were to cool off tension in the ODM ship.

"The spokesman of the party is the secretary general. When Sifuna speaks, he speaks on behalf of the party but then sazingine apana kuwa chungu sana (sometimes do not be too harsh),” he said.

Governors Simba Arati and his Kisumu counterpart Anyang’ Nyong’o have defended Sifuna, with Arati emphasising that his position aligns with the party’s official stance.