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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
As conversations continue, Onyonka’s endorsement positions Sifuna not just as a sidelined party official, but as a potential key player in Kenya’s opposition politics, and in his view, a leader with presidential qualities.
