Why Sifuna Might Resign as ODM Secretary General Ahead of the Next General Election - Opinion

As clock is ticking towards the next general election, political class are now strategically grouping themselves into alliances. 

Defections are expected from one party to another ahead of the much anticipated 2027 general election.

One of the biggest political move that could happen soon is the resignation Edwin Sifuna as the Secretary General of Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) party. 

Despite being a staunch member of ODM, the Nairobi senator might defect from the party to retain his seat.

Nairobi politics is complicated because of its cosmopolitan nature. The city is a host of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. 

For instance, the Kikuyu, Luhya, Kamba, Luo, Somali, Kisii and other communities across the country are present in the capital.

Because tribal card plays significant role in the Kenyan politics, Sifuna might join the coalition supported by majority of the tribes in Nairobi.

For instance, Majority of Kikuyu, Kamba and Kisii are in the United Opposition because their kingpins Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang'i respectively are in the alliance.

Majority of Luos are supporting the Broad-based government because their kingpin Raila Odinga died when he was working with the current administration.

It's the same case with Kalenjins who are also supporting Ruto's regime since he is their kingpin. However, the Kalenjins do not have a lot of votes in Nairobi.

The Luhya community are currently divided as some are supporting George Natembea while others are with PCS Musalia Mudavadi and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula.

Joining the opposition will enable Sifuna secure Kikuyu, Kamba, Kisii and section of Luhya votes. 

But if he remains in the broadbased government, he will only be sure of getting Luo, Kalenjin and portion of Luhya votes. The votes of other communities will be for grabs but they are not many.

So Sifuna risks losing his seat if he runs on ODM and the opposition also field a candidate against him. For that reason he might defect from ODM to the opposition.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo said on NTV that people should understand that Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are criticizing the government because of the nature of Nairobi politics.

The lawmaker said the communities whose population are high in Nairobi are in the opposition and those two ODM legislators must side with them to win the seats they are running for.