Lawyer Wahome Thuku has weighed in on remarks attributed to Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo regarding ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, saying internal party criticism may have unintentionally boosted the Nairobi Senator’s political standing.
In his commentary, Thuku said he agreed with Millie Odhiambo’s view that pressure from within ODM has elevated Sifuna’s profile rather than diminished it.
“Millie Mabona I agree with you fully. Victimising Edwin W. Sifuna by the ODM office has built him into a bigger man than he actually was before Baba’s death. Now we are all Sifuna,” he said.
The remarks come at a time of renewed debate within ODM over leadership direction and internal discipline following the death of party leader Raila Odinga.
Thuku said Sifuna has now become a well-known political figure whose influence extends beyond party structures.
“Every politician likes becoming bigger than he or she was yesterday so this is a good thing. Sifuna is now a household name,” he said.
He further raised questions on Sifuna’s next political move, pointing to the 2027 General Election and whether the ODM Secretary-General would seek higher office or focus on defending his Nairobi Senate seat.
“What does Sifuna now do with his big name and his massive following? Is Sifuna running for President in 2027? Ama he will only ask Nairobians to vote him back as their Senator?” he posed.
Thuku added that political influence should be directed strategically, arguing that if Sifuna does not pursue national office, his support base could be channelled elsewhere.
“If Sifuna will not be running for a national office, then all that energy MUST be donated to someone else,” he said, suggesting that emerging movements like Linda Mwananchi could eventually align with established parties such as Wiper if they do not evolve into structured political formations.
He used a football analogy to explain his point, saying political capital must be fully utilised.
“Imagine a striker who dribbles three defenders and right at the goal post, he passes the ball back to an old colleague who never scores,” he said.
Thuku concluded by drawing on a rural proverb from Othaya, Nyeri, saying political momentum naturally finds its direction.
“In my Munyange village in Othaya, Nyeri, there is a saying that no matter how mighty and heavily flooded a stream is, it must drain all its water into Gura River,” he said.
The remarks add to ongoing discussions within ODM over internal cohesion and emerging political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.