A section of elders from Vihiga County has officially severed ties with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and declared their full backing for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The delegation, led by Vihiga Elders Council Chairman and former Bahati MP Fred Omido, announced that Sifuna represents the fresh leadership required to unite the region and restore its political clout on the national stage.
“We have resolved to stand with our son Sifuna because he has demonstrated courage, consistency, and the willingness to speak for ordinary Kenyans. Western Kenya needs a fearless leader, and we believe Sifuna is that leader,” Omido stated during the declaration.
Reading a joint statement on behalf of the elders, Dr Job Osiako explained that their exit from ODM was triggered by the party’s departure from its core ideals, pointing to internal wrangles that led to Sifuna’s controversial removal as Secretary-General.
“We have left ODM because it no longer represents the aspirations of many people in this region. Linda Mwananchi offers hope, accountability, and a fresh political direction,” Osiako noted.
The elders argued that Sifuna’s removal from the powerful post backfired, instead boosting his grassroots popularity across Western Kenya as supporters view the action as unjust.
Sifuna has since challenged his ousted status in court, maintaining that the process violated the party’s constitution.
The Vihiga endorsement comes as Sifuna intensifies his campaign to consolidate support across the Western region, holding high-profile rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties.
Political analysts view the Senator’s moves as a direct challenge to the political dominance of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Sifuna’s momentum has been building over recent days.
During a rally in Bungoma over the weekend, a section of elders led by former Cabinet Minister Musikari Kombo also endorsed him as a key Luhya spokesman.
Addressing crowds in Bungoma and Kitale, Sifuna maintained a firm stance, urging ODM leadership to allow members who oppose the broad-based government arrangement the freedom to align with alternative political platforms.
