Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has disclosed that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was not the initial favourite to serve as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General, revealing that the party leadership had considered other candidates before eventually settling on him.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Mbadi expressed disappointment in Sifuna and shed light on the behind-the-scenes discussions that preceded his appointment.
“I am disappointed in Sifuna. I know how Sifuna got into that position. He was not the favourite,” Mbadi said.
According to the CS, influential party stakeholders, particularly delegates from the Western region, were strongly opposed to Sifuna assuming a senior leadership role at the party headquarters, Orange House.
“We sat with Baba [Raila Odinga] and agreed. The favourite was Wafula Buke. The Western delegates did not want to hear of Sifuna at Orange House,” Mbadi revealed.
Mbadi explained that despite the resistance, ODM leader Raila Odinga ultimately opted for what he believed was a strategic choice — a candidate perceived as tough and capable of managing the party’s internal political dynamics.
The decision led to Sifuna’s appointment as Secretary-General, even though he lacked broad backing from key regional blocs within the party.
However, Mbadi’s latest remarks suggest that the gamble may not have paid off.
His comments come shortly after Sifuna was removed from the influential post following a high-level meeting of ODM’s top officials in Mombasa.
