Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna faced immediate criticism from online users after he posted a congratulatory message following the party’s by-election victories.

The Nairobi Senator, who has long served as the party’s spokesperson, has recently been at loggerheads with several elected leaders and officials within the ODM party over his stance on the proposed idea of a broad-based government.

Just hours after ODM candidates were declared winners in several races, Sifuna took to his Facebook page this morning to celebrate the success:

“Congratulations to the entire ODM team that delivered wins for Boyd Were in Kasipul, Moses Omondi in Ugunja, Harry Kombe in Magarini. Well done!”

Immediately following the post, online Kenyans reacted sharply, accusing Sifuna of undermining the party from within. The backlash suggests that his recent political positions have created significant friction among party loyalists.

The online response continued for some time, with users “picking him up” (a local term for criticizing or taking someone to task) and suggesting he was “rocking the ODM boat from inside.”

Edwin Kiplimo Samoei wrote; “You successfully delivered Kariobangi North to wamunyoro” implying that the SG would have worked harder to ensure the ODM candidate won the Kariobangi North seat that fell vacant after death of Joel Munuve sometimes back.

Blessing Luke Linda posted; “Wamunyoro na Sifuna wako pamoja but uyo mwengine habana if you know you know

Julius Shibia; “Fighting government is like fetching water with a mosquito net and expect to fill a bucket , have a nice day wakili.”

Clevans Clevans posted; “You successfully delivered an MCA seat in Nairobi to wamunyoro…. we shall revisit.”