How “Sisi Ndio Sifuna” Slogan Is Causing Tension

Robai Ludenyi

The political heat is rising, not because of policies or manifestos, but because of popularity. What is playing out in the opposition space right now is less about party structures and more about influence, personal following, and who truly commands the crowd.

Tension is rising inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and what was once a united political machine is now showing visible cracks. The battle lines are clearly drawn between two rival camps, one associated with Oburu Oginga and another aligned with Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. What began as internal disagreements has now spilled into open confrontation, complete with charged rallies, sharp exchanges, and growing uncertainty about the party’s direction.

Ever since Edwin Sifuna was removed from his position in the ODM, all eyes have been on him not as a party official, but as a figure whose popularity could reshape the political landscape. Kenyans are talking, debating, and watching closely

Yesterday’s “Linda Mwananchi” tour was abruptly disrupted when police lobbed tear gas into the crowd, forcing hundreds to scatter. It was a scene of panic, with people clutching their faces and running for cover, some tripping over each other in the rush to escape the fumes. Sifuna, tried to calm the crowd, urging them to remain peaceful despite the chaos. He said we won’t be silenced, our mission to engage Kenyans and hold the government accountable continues, cheers.

Critics slammed the police for what they called an unnecessary show of force against a largely peaceful gathering. Human rights advocates condemned the teargas, warning that such tactics risk turning political disagreements into full-blown confrontations. Some even suggested that the move was politically motivated, intended to weaken Sifuna’s growing grassroots appeal.

This incident is the latest flare-up in ODM’s simmering internal tensions. Sifuna’s faction has been at odds with the party hierarchy, with accusations of power grabs and sabotage flying both ways. Despite this, Sifuna appears undeterred, insisting that his team’s outreach efforts are about ordinary Kenyans, not internal squabbles.

Many Kenyans are now saying that the spirit of Baba is back, though with a different slogan, “Sisi Ndio Sifuna”. And they have confidence that Sifuna will help fight for democracy.

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