Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Kalasinga accused unnamed power brokers within the party of orchestrating a scheme to silence Sifuna due to his outspoken stance on governance, accountability, and national issues.
The MP claimed that the unfolding events were less about party discipline and more about internal power struggles.
According to Kalasinga, targeting Sifuna risks alienating not only the Luhya community but also young people and marginalised groups who view the Nairobi Senator as a bold and independent voice within ODM.
“Sifuna does not just speak for ODM. He speaks for the youth, for communities that feel excluded, and for Kenyans who want leaders to say the truth regardless of who is in power,” Kalasinga said.
The legislator warned that removing Sifuna would come at a heavy political cost for the party, particularly in Western Kenya, which has historically been a key ODM stronghold.
“Touch Sifuna today, and any Luhya leader who chooses to remain in ODM will be a traitor,” Kalasinga said, adding that the move could force leaders across the region to reconsider their political future.
Kalasinga further claimed that leaders from different political formations were ready to rally behind Sifuna should he be forced out, signalling the possibility of a broader realignment in national politics.
“If he is pushed out, we are ready to walk with him and chart a new political direction. Sifuna is not just an ODM leader; he is a national figure,” the MP said.
He went on to praise Sifuna’s leadership qualities, describing him as a potential future national leader with the intellect, courage, and energy required to steer the country forward.
“Sifuna is equal to the task of leading this country. He has the intellect, the courage, and age on his side,” Kalasinga added.
Referencing the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, Kalasinga argued that Sifuna had been entrusted with the responsibility of articulating the party’s positions and had not deviated from that mandate.
“Sifuna was given authority to speak for ODM. He has not betrayed the party or the ideals that Raila stood for,” he said.
Kalasinga’s remarks come amid rising tension within ODM following claims by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei that Sifuna would be removed as both the Senate Deputy Minority Whip and ODM Secretary General. Cherargei made the claims on Monday, January 5, sparking intense debate within political circles.
On the same day, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch submitted a motion to the ODM Party Leader seeking to de-whip Sifuna in the Senate, suspend him, and remove him from the position of Secretary General. The petition accused Sifuna of misconduct, indiscipline, and actions allegedly detrimental to party unity.
The developments have further exposed deepening divisions within ODM’s leadership, with factions appearing to clash over the party’s direction and internal democracy.
Adding to Sifuna’s challenges is an ongoing dispute with National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed.
The standoff prompted several ODM lawmakers to call on party leader Oburu Odinga to urgently intervene and prevent the disagreement from escalating further.
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