Edwin Sifuna Explains Why He Missed ODM Meeting in Mombasa

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has explained why he did not attend the ODM party meeting held in Mombasa on Monday.

Sifuna, who is also the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), said he feared for his safety after receiving information that some people had been organised to attack him during the meeting.

According to the senator, there is a growing trend within the party where certain groups are hired to disrupt meetings, especially when leaders with different opinions show up.

Speaking during a radio interview, Sifuna said he chose not to attend because he did not want to risk his life.

“I could not go to that meeting. There are many meetings being organised, but some are set up so that certain leaders can be attacked. Even in Kilifi, there were similar incidents,” he said.

He added that the same situation was expected in Mombasa, where groups had allegedly been prepared to cause chaos.

Sifuna also claimed that he is being sidelined in the party because of his political stand, especially his opposition to supporting William Ruto in the 2027 elections.

The senator is part of a group of ODM leaders known as the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has been criticising the current government.

He said some leaders within the party are not honest when trying to resolve internal disagreements.

Sifuna mentioned that Ida Odinga had earlier advised members to first solve their internal issues before holding major meetings, but this has not been followed.

“We don’t have personal issues with anyone. The only problem is that some members want to support President Ruto in 2027, and we do not agree with that,” he explained.

He also said that ODM’s founding leader Raila Odinga believed in forming partnerships with like-minded leaders, something he feels is not happening now.

Other leaders in Sifuna’s camp include James Orengo and Babu Owino, who have been moving around the country criticising the current administration.

The ODM meeting in Mombasa was attended by close to 100 members, including governors and members of the party’s top leadership.