ODM FIRES SIFUNA AS SG OVER INDISCIPLINE CLAIMS

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been removed as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Wednesday, marking one of the most significant leadership shake-ups inside the party in recent months.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, was announced after what party officials described as extensive deliberations over Sifuna’s conduct and leadership approach.

In a statement read by Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, the NEC said it had resolved to relieve Sifuna of his duties in accordance with the party constitution and applicable laws.
“Having deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of the Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the NEC resolved to remove him from office with immediate effect,” the statement read in part.

Omanyo, who serves as one of the party’s Deputy Secretaries General and is also the Busia Woman Representative, will act in the position until a substantive office holder is elected. She will oversee the Secretariat as ODM prepares for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) scheduled for March 27, 2026.

The NEC cited rising concerns over indiscipline within senior leadership ranks, underscoring that ODM operates under its constitution, guided by rule of law and collective decision-making.

The committee maintained that no individual, regardless of position, is above party structures and processes.

Party insiders have linked Sifuna’s removal to growing internal friction, particularly his public positions that appeared to diverge from sections of the party leadership — especially on cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.

Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff had earlier suggested that Sifuna’s conduct amounted to disrespect toward party leadership. Meanwhile, Party Leader Senator Oburu Odinga had warned that action would be taken against leaders perceived to be publicly undermining the party.

Sifuna, one of ODM’s most outspoken figures, had openly challenged the working relationship between ODM and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), positioning himself at odds with elements seen to favour strategic engagement.

Notably, Sifuna did not attend Wednesday’s NEC meeting in Mombasa. According to a committee member, he sent apologies but did not elaborate on the reason for his absence.
Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi also missed the meeting, stating he remained in Nairobi due to Senate commitments.
The absence added to speculation that Sifuna’s removal had been imminent.

In a further political shift, the NEC resolved to initiate the formal process of withdrawing ODM from the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition, citing repeated violations of the coalition agreement by partners.

The party said the move is aimed at safeguarding ODM’s autonomy and strategic direction as it repositions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The NEC also mandated Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga to spearhead coalition negotiations on behalf of ODM going forward.

Just days before his removal, Sifuna had publicly downplayed reports of his possible ouster.
Speaking in a televised interview last week, he insisted that even if removed from office, he would remain a loyal ODM member.

“I am in ODM, and nobody can kick me out of ODM. I have no intention of leaving. You don’t have to be an official to be a member of the party,” Sifuna said.

He added that no position in the party was a birthright and that others could serve in the role if given the opportunity.
Sifuna had also criticised what he described as procedural shortcomings in the installation of Oburu Oginga as interim party leader following the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga last year.

Speaking at the NEC meeting, Dr. Oburu expressed his discontentment with members who have been diverging from ODM's holistic agreements further asserting adherence to what the majority has agreed upon.

"The minority have a right to say, and the majority has its way. That is why you do elections. If you are in the minority, you follow what the majority have decided. That is the cardinal principle of democracy, which I want our party to adhere to, and I’m very disappointed that sometimes we just come here, we agree, and then when we go out, we say something else. I hope some of these issues will be discussed, and I hope that our party will continue to be strong,” he said.

Oburu further declared the Azimio coalition dead following the latent exit of ODM - which was viewed as the powerhouse.

ODM’s constitution, under Article 74, provides for the removal of office holders through a resolution of the NEC, provided due process is followed. The article stipulates that any official facing removal must be granted an opportunity to defend themselves.
It remains unclear whether Sifuna will challenge the decision internally or legally.

Sifuna took over as Secretary General after Ababu Namwamba and has since been one of the party’s most visible communicators. His removal signals a decisive assertion of authority by the current party leadership amid mounting internal tensions.

The developments underscore a broader recalibration within ODM as it navigates coalition politics, internal dissent, and preparations for 2027.