‘Sifuna is presidential material,’ says Senator Onyonka after ODM fallout
‘Sifuna is presidential material,’ says Senator Onyonka after ODM fallout
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has thrown his weight behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following his removal as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, describing him as a formidable opposition voice and “presidential material.”
Speaking on The Insight show on TV47 hosted by Debarl Inea on the night of February 11, 2026, Onyonka praised Sifuna’s political stature and communication strength.
“Sifuna has what it takes to play opposition politics. He has the sound and voice, he is presidential material according to me,” Onyonka said.
Sifuna has what it takes to play opposition politics: Richard Onyonka, Senator
His remarks come in the wake of Sifuna’s ouster as ODM Secretary General, a position he held as the longest-serving SG of the party.
The move has sparked debate within political circles about the direction of the party and the future of its leadership.
Onyonka suggested that Sifuna’s political grounding reflects broader regional dynamics within the party.
“Our politics is regional-based, and that regionalism is what Sifuna and Osotsi were holding onto as the base for ODM,” he stated.
There are some people who you must keep for your government to survive: Richard Onyonka, Senator
Kitui Central MP Dr. Makali Mulu, who also appeared on the show, weighed in on the unfolding events, warning of possible consequences for the party.
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“If you rattle a snake, you must be ready to be bitten. Honourable Sifuna has been rattling that snake and the time to be bitten has come,” Makali said.
“Sifuna has been rattling this snake for a long time and the time to be bitten has come.”- Dr Makali Mulu, MP Kitui
He further expressed concern over ODM’s long-term survival amid internal tensions.
“My prayer is that the death of Raila does not become the death of ODM, because what has happened this week is leading to that,” he added.
My prayer is that the death of Raila does not become the death of ODM: Dr Makali Mulu, MP Kitui
The political storm intensified after Sifuna addressed the press on February 12, 2026, defending his record and stance within the party.
“My only crime is that I have refused and I oppose any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election,” Sifuna said.
His statement has fueled speculation that his removal may be linked to internal disagreements over ODM’s position ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“My only crime is that I have refused and opposed any plans and schemes within the ODM party to support President Ruto’s re-election.
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