Newspapers, August 5: Sifuna's Stint as ODM SG Uncertain as MP Discloses Date for Likely Ouster
The newspapers on Tuesday, August 5, covered an array of topics, with the infighting in the ODM party continuing to dominate the pages.
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Source: UGC
Elsewhere, the Raila Odinga-led party came out to clarify the whereabouts of Siaya governor James Orengo after reports indicated he had resigned.
1. Taifa Leo
Taifa Leo reported on the likely ouster staring at ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna.
His recent statement that he cannot sign any agreement that will allow President William Ruto to serve for more than one term has stirred the party leadership, with sources indicating that he may be stripped of his SG post during the National Delegates' Conference (NDC) in October.
Sources reported that ODM is planning to hold an NDC in mid-October where members will decide the party's future regarding the 2027 elections, formalise their partnership with Ruto as well as appoint new party officials.
Speaking in a political rally in Saboti constituency on Sunday, August 3, Sifuna said he could not be forced to sign any agreement that endorses Ruto, and that if that is the case, he would leave ODM.
"I stand by my position, and I would like to tell those ODM brokers that I have the right to express my opinion. I will be reading the party’s agreements, except those that the party will say will support Ruto in the 2027 elections. I am ready to be removed as ODM secretary-general because I have been told that there is already someone who has been approved to take my place,” he said.
According to Taifa Leo, Raila’s allies are now planning to use the October NDC to remove Sifuna, citing his supposed arrogance and links with external forces to destabilise the party.
"He spoke carelessly in Trans Nzoia because he knows his stint is over and he cannot serve as the party's secretary-general anymore. October is not far away because we will use that meeting to completely oust him. He should not dare to defend his position," an ODM MP told Taifa Leo on condition of anonymity.
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Sifuna's issue has caused a rift between members of the party from Western Kenya and Nyanza.
ODM politicians from the Western region are backing Sifuna, saying that the current regime has not benefited their constituents even with Raila's entry.
Sifuna has been ODM secretary general since 2018, when he took over from former Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba.
2. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported on the formation of a new alliance by politicians breaking away from the mainstream political parties.
The faction is being designed by politicians who broke away from the camps of President William Ruto, Raila Odinga and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Labelled Kenya Moja, the formation was launched on Sunday, August 3, by Sifuna and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.
Wamuchomba seems to have broken away from Gachagua's camp.
Others in the new faction are Kabuchai Majimbo MP Kalasinga, Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti) and Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo (ODM).
Sifuna made it clear that he will never support Ruto and is ready to leave ODM if the party backs the president in the 2027 general election.
Wamuchomba, who has been involved in several political camps, appears to have found a new political home in Kenya as a representative of Mt Kenya politicians.
Analysts project that Kenya Moja could continue last year’s clarion call for Ruto to leave the political scene alongside Gachagua.
Others also say Raila, who is currently working with Ruto, should also leave with him to make way for a new political awakening.
Gachagua joined forces with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Although Kenya Moja is opposed to Ruto's rule, it has not shown any intention of joining the Gachagua and Musyoka faction.
This means it has created a new wing within the Opposition.
3. The Standard
The Standard reported on a KSh 500,000 fine the Senate intends to impose on Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for snubbing Senate summons twice.
The Senate Committee on Labour issued formal orders to compel the minister to appear before it on August 20, 2025.
In addition, the committee, stewarded by West Pokot Senator Philip Murgor, asked the Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, and the Managing Director of the Kenya Railways Corporation (KR) to appear before it on the same day.
Mbadi wrote to the committee requesting the postponement of yesterday’s meeting, which was scheduled to start at 10 am.
He explained that President William Ruto had assigned him to official duties outside Nairobi, and therefore, he would not be attending the committee meeting intended to address the delay in the payment of pensions to retired KRC workers.
In addition, Murgor's committee was expected to address the delay in the payment of pensions to retired employees of the Kenya Dairy Company (KCC) and former councillors.
According to Senate rules, Mbadi will have to pay a fine of KSh 500,000, his own money, if he fails to appear before the Labour Committee on August 20.
4. People Daily
The newspaper reported on the whereabouts of Siaya governor James Orengo after reports suggested he had resigned.
The ODM party described a letter circulating online with the claims as fake.
The fake letter, allegedly written to Siaya House Speaker George Okode, emerged after Governor Orengo had not been seen in public since early June this year.
The situation has raised concerns and questions among Siaya residents, forcing ODM leader Raila Odinga to provide assurances that he is in good health.
Orengo was last seen in public on June 5, at State House in Nairobi, when he led a delegation of Siaya leaders to visit the president.
However, messages are still being posted on his official X account, regarding county activities and various development projects.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
