Edwin Sifuna is a prominent Kenyan lawyer and politician who currently serves as the Nairobi Senator and Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Known for his charismatic leadership and legal expertise, Sifuna has played a significant role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 22, 1986, Edwin Sifuna hails from a distinguished political family in Bungoma, Kenya.
His upbringing in such an environment laid the foundation for his future career in politics.
His uncle, Lawrence Sifuna, was a respected Member of Parliament and a prominent member of the “Seven-bearded sisters,” a group that fought against the excesses of the Moi government.
Sifuna started his primary education at Kakamega Township Primary School before proceeding to Musingu High School for his secondary education.
He excelled academically and later pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 2006.
To further his legal career, Sifuna obtained a Post Graduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law in 2007.
Following this, he completed his pupilage at Kairu & McCourt Advocates in Nairobi and was admitted to the Roll of Advocates in 2008.
Wife
In 2010, Edwin Sifuna entered into matrimony, but details about his wife remain undisclosed.
While reports confirm his marriage, there is limited information available regarding his spouse.
Similarly, no public records currently list the names of his children.
Political Career
Sifuna’s political journey began in 2013 when he joined the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) as a Technical/Advisory Committee Member.
He later joined the National Super Alliance (NASA) in the same capacity.
Over the years, Sifuna has actively participated in political activities.
In the 2017 Kenyan general election, Sifuna expressed his interest in running for the Kanduyi Constituency Member of Parliament seat on an ODM Party ticket.
However, he faced defeat during the party primaries, losing to John Makali.
Undeterred by the setback, Sifuna’s political fortunes took a positive turn when he was nominated by ODM to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat, then held by Mike Sonko.
Although he garnered substantial support with 674,056 votes (42.51%), Johnson Sakaja emerged as the victor with 811,826 votes (51.20%).
Thereafter, the ODM party appointed Sifuna as its Secretary General in February 2018, replacing Ababu Namwamba.
Furthermore, in 2019, Sifuna was elected as the Vice-chair of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD0.
In the 2022 Kenyan general election, Sifuna contested the Nairobi Senatorial seat once again.
This time, his efforts paid off as he secured 716,876 votes, allowing him to claim the seat and represent the people of Nairobi.
In February 2023, he assumed the position of deputy minority whip in the Senate.
Salary
As the Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna currently earns a basic salary of approximately Ksh. 510,000 per month.
In addition to his salary, he also receives monthly allowances that can amount to as much as Ksh250,000, bringing his total monthly income as a Senator to around Ksh. 760,000.
