Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth league member and Gen Z activist Kasmuel McOure has dismissed suggestions that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s recent large gatherings in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia indicate a decline in ODM’s influence in the region.
In a radio interview on July 29, 2026, Kasmuel highlighted that ODM has historically struggled to establish a strong political presence in Bungoma County. He emphasized that the party currently holds no parliamentary or county assembly seats from the area, making claims of lost ground unfounded.
Kasmuel’s perspective:
- ODM has no elected Members of Parliament or MCAs from Bungoma.
- Loss of support can only be measured where there was significant presence to begin with.
- Therefore, large crowds for Sifuna do not necessarily translate into shifting political loyalties away from ODM.
The debate over Sifuna’s growing influence in Western Kenya has attracted attention from political analysts. Herman Manyora, a political commentator, suggested that Sifuna’s appeal might be even stronger in neighboring Vihiga County than in his home county of Bungoma.
Manyora noted that Vihiga presents less political resistance for Sifuna, whereas Bungoma includes communities such as the Mount Elgon Sabaot, some of whom support President William Ruto, potentially limiting Sifuna’s reach there.
“Do you know where Sifuna will get the highest percentage of votes? It is Vihiga. I come from there, so I know,” Manyora remarked.
