Speaking during an interview on K24 TV on Wednesday, Orengo dismissed claims that Sifuna was handpicked or imposed on the party leadership through political influence.
According to the veteran politician, Sifuna rose to the powerful position after being elected by delegates during the National Delegates Convention (NDC), ODM’s highest decision-making organ.
Orengo explained that although Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o proposed Sifuna’s name for the role, the nomination alone did not guarantee him the seat.
Orengo explained that although Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o proposed Sifuna’s name for the role, the nomination alone did not guarantee him the seat.
He clarified that party members are free to recommend candidates for leadership positions, provided the process follows the ODM constitution and internal electoral procedures.
The governor noted that Nyong’o merely identified leadership qualities in Sifuna and supported his candidature, but the ultimate decision was made democratically by party delegates.
The governor noted that Nyong’o merely identified leadership qualities in Sifuna and supported his candidature, but the ultimate decision was made democratically by party delegates.
He maintained that endorsing candidates within political parties is normal practice and should not be confused with favoritism or direct appointment.
Orengo’s remarks come at a time when ODM is facing growing internal tensions over leadership succession and party direction following the reduced involvement of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga in active party affairs.
Orengo’s remarks come at a time when ODM is facing growing internal tensions over leadership succession and party direction following the reduced involvement of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga in active party affairs.
The dispute intensified after ODM’s National Executive Committee reportedly resolved on February 11, 2026, to strip Sifuna of his duties as Secretary General.
However, Sifuna has rejected the move, arguing that he remains the legitimate office holder because he was elected through the party’s constitutional structures.
However, Sifuna has rejected the move, arguing that he remains the legitimate office holder because he was elected through the party’s constitutional structures.
His supporters within ODM have also questioned the legality of attempts to remove him from office without involving the same delegates who elected him.
The disagreement has exposed widening divisions within the opposition party, with rival camps emerging around the future leadership of ODM.
The disagreement has exposed widening divisions within the opposition party, with rival camps emerging around the future leadership of ODM.
Matters escalated further when Sifuna declared during a rally in Mombasa on March 29 that he would not serve under Oburu Odinga, who has been linked to possible leadership changes within the party.
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