SIFUNA TO QUIT SG ROLE UNDER ONE CONDITION

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna says he is ready to relinquish his position as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General—but only if the party removes him through a process that complies with its constitution and respects his rights.

Addressing growing speculation over his legal challenge against his ouster, Sifuna maintained that his fight is not about holding onto the influential position but about defending due process within the party.
"It is not a must that Sifuna be the Secretary-General of ODM. ODM has a lot of talent and many people can do that job. It is not that I am clinging to the position. My issue is with the process," he said during an interview on Wednesday, July 1.

His remarks come just days after ODM's National Executive Committee (NEC) upheld recommendations by the party's Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC) and resolved to remove him as Secretary-General following disciplinary proceedings.

However, Sifuna insists the party failed to follow its own constitution, arguing that he was removed through an unfair process that violated his rights.
According to the Nairobi senator, the dispute is much bigger than his own position.
"If the party can violate the rights of the Secretary-General, what do you think will happen if it is disciplining an ordinary member or even a youth chairperson in Kisii? That is why we are fighting. We are simply asking them to follow the right process," he said.

Sifuna stressed that if ODM wishes to appoint another Secretary-General, it should first ensure the removal process is lawful, transparent and procedurally fair.

He further questioned why the party has never publicly outlined the specific offences that warranted his dismissal, saying he believes his outspoken criticism of President William Ruto's administration and his opposition to ODM's cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government may have influenced the decision.

The senator, who has emerged as one of the leading voices in the opposition-aligned Linda Mwananchi movement, reiterated that he remains committed to the ideals upon which ODM was founded despite the ongoing fallout.

He described the party as his political home, noting that it is the only political outfit he has ever belonged to.
"Some of us are built differently. Since I was born, I have only known one leader, Raila Odinga. Now he is no longer there," Sifuna said.

"I have belonged to only one political party. You cannot simply wake up and leave because there is an attachment. We are trying to see whether we can still salvage the party," he added.

Despite his frustrations, Sifuna said he still believes ODM can reclaim its founding values if its leaders choose to uphold the party constitution and internal democracy.

His legal team has already indicated that it will challenge the latest decision in court, arguing that, just like the first attempt to remove him earlier this year, the latest ouster contravenes the ODM constitution and should be declared null and void.

The Linda Mwananchi faction has also accused the party leadership of disregarding due process, maintaining that the NEC's decision was procedurally flawed and cannot stand.

ODM, however, insists the removal was lawful stating that NEC unanimously adopted the recommendations of the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee after reviewing findings made under Article 74(2) of the ODM constitution, effectively ending Sifuna's tenure as Secretary-General.

The disciplinary process followed months of tensions between Sifuna and sections of the party leadership over ODM's broad-based cooperation with President Ruto's administration, as well as his continued criticism of the party's direction.

Sifuna was first ousted as ODM Secretary-General on February 11, 2026, and replaced by Busia Women Rep. Catherine Omanyo. However, the decision was short-lived after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) suspended the ouster the following day, citing procedural concerns. ODM later reopened the disciplinary process before formally removing him again on June 22, 2026.

Alongside leaders including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and other allies in the Linda Mwananchi movement, Sifuna has been holding political rallies across the country as they seek to consolidate support and explore possible political alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The group is expected to take its campaign to the Gusii region this week as it seeks to broaden its support based.

With Sifuna's court challenge still pending and ODM's internal divisions showing no signs of easing, the battle over the party's leadership and political direction is expected to remain a key feature of Kenya's evolving political landscape as the 2027 elections draw closer.