Political scientist Mutahi Ngunyi has issued a stark warning to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following his abrupt ouster and reinstatement as the secretary general of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The ODM NEC meeting in Mombasa on Wednesday resolved to drop Sifuna as it's secretary general and replaced him with Busia Women Representative Omanyo.
However, on Thursday, Sifuna rushed to court and got a reprieve. He was reinstated.
During a presser held on Thursday morning, Sifuna vowed to stay put and blamed president Ruto for his troubles in the ODM party.
In a social media post, Ngunyi has described Sifuna’s rapid return to the party leadership as a lesson in political caution.
“My young frien Id Sifuna. Take heart, but take care. The line between boldness and foolishness is thin. They removed you as SG of ODM, in the morning, then Ruto returned you in the evening. To call this the law is foolish,” Ngunyi wrote. He added, “In political science, we call you a useful idiot. You get it?
The message comes after Sifuna’s decision to seek legal intervention following his removal from ODM’s top administrative position.
On Thursday, the court reinstated him, ending a brief but high-profile leadership crisis within one of Kenya’s leading political parties.
Ngunyi’s warning, delivered in his trademark candid style, shows the thin line politicians walk between asserting authority and being manipulated in complex political calculations.
Sifuna's reinstatement marks a temporary victory, reinforcing his continued influence within ODM as the party prepares for upcoming national elections.