Siaya Power Play: Atandi’s Cryptic Warning Sparks Fresh Fears of Orengo Impeachment

A political storm is building in Siaya County after Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi sent out a short but explosive message. His words came just after ODM removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as secretary general. The timing raised eyebrows across the political scene.

Atandi told Siaya MCAs to “smell the coffee.” The statement was brief. Yet it carried weight. Many read it as a clear signal to act against Governor James Orengo. While he did not name him, the context was loud.

The message followed a tense decision by ODM’s top leadership. On Wednesday, February 11, the party’s National Executive Committee voted to remove Sifuna. The meeting was chaired by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga. Party officials said the move was based on discipline and party law.

However, Sifuna had angered the party’s powerful figures. He had spoken out against ODM joining forces with President William Ruto’s UDA. He had also questioned the future of the broad-based government formed in March 2025. His views matched those of Orengo.

Orengo has remained firm in his stance. He has warned that ODM risks losing its soul if it moves too close to UDA. That position has put him in the firing line.

Atandi’s words added more heat. “Siaya county members of the Assembly, you need to smell the coffee,” he posted. The statement spread fast. It was seen as a rallying call.

The two leaders have clashed before. They disagreed over the use of the Siaya Farmers Training Centre. The governor wanted the land for the county headquarters. Atandi opposed the move. He said it would disrupt the JOOUST satellite campus. He warned it would hurt students and the community.

Now the rivalry may take a sharper turn. If MCAs respond, Siaya could soon face an impeachment battle.

Elsewhere, Sifuna has not gone quiet. He has announced his first rally since his removal. It will be held in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15. He expects support from several ODM figures.

“I will meet my supporters,” Sifuna said. He added that leaders like Orengo, Babu Owino, and Richard Onyonka may attend.

ODM now faces growing cracks. The fight for control is clear. Siaya may become the next major battleground.