Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo at ACK St Stephen Cathedral church in Kisumu on July 12, 2026. /FAITH MATETE
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna speaks at ACK St Stephen Cathedral church in Kisumu on July 12, 2026./FAITH MATETE
Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Sunday dismissed claims of divisions within the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The leaders insisted that the team remains united, formidable, and committed to defending the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking during a service at St Stephen ACK Church in Kisumu, the two leaders said reports that the movement was falling apart were politically motivated and urged supporters to ignore them.
Siaya Governor James Orengo speaks at ACK St Stephen Cathedral church in Kisumu on July 12, 2026./FAITH MATETE
Orengo said the Linda Mwananchi movement would not be broken by either internal or external forces.
"Linda Mwananchi will never be divided. We want to put to shame those who say otherwise. We are walking together and shall never be divided. We are here with my brother Edwin Sifuna in Kisumu to prove them wrong," he said.
The governor also dismissed claims that the "Linda Mwananchi ship" was sinking, saying the movement remained focused on justice, accountability, and protecting the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
Orengo took issue with ODM leaders supporting the broad-based political arrangement with President William Ruto's administration, accusing them of abandoning the ideals upon which the Orange party was founded.
According to Orengo, the differences currently being witnessed within ODM are not driven by personal interests but by principles and divergent views on governance.
He further criticised efforts to remove Sifuna from the position of ODM Secretary-General, describing the move as a costly political mistake.
"The decision to replace Edwin Sifuna was a mistake. It was like replacing something of great value with something far less effective. Sifuna stood with me when it mattered most, and those who shared our position have continued to be pushed out of the party," Orengo said.
He urged Sifuna to remain steadfast, saying many party members still stood firmly behind him.
Sifuna echoed Orengo's sentiments, maintaining that the Linda Mwananchi movement remained united despite the political turbulence.
"There is no division in Linda Mwananchi. We will continue walking this journey together. We must remain united no matter what. Let no one deceive you," he said.
Addressing reports surrounding his removal as ODM Secretary-General, Sifuna said losing the party position would not derail his political ambitions or commitment to fighting for justice.
"My ouster as Secretary-General will not define my political future. We have always stood for justice, and we will continue standing for what is right," he said.
The Nairobi senator thanked Kisumu residents for their continued support, saying they had stood with him during difficult political moments.
He also expressed confidence that the political ties between the Nyanza and Western Kenya regions remained strong despite recent political realignments.
Sifuna thanked Orengo for standing by him and said they would continue working together to champion accountable leadership and defend the rights of wananchi.
