ODM Fires Secretary General Edwin Sifuna

By Suleiman Mbatiah

The Orange Democratic Movement has removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General with immediate effect following a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa.

The decision was announced yesterday in a statement read by Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, who was appointed acting Secretary General pending the election of a substantive office holder.

According to the NEC, the removal followed extensive deliberations on discipline and leadership conduct, with the committee citing rising cases of indiscipline within the party, particularly among senior officials.

The NEC said the party is governed by its constitution, the rule of law, and collective decision-making, stressing that no individual, regardless of rank, is above ODM’s established structures and processes.

“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 a parallel and far-reaching resolution, the committee also agreed to initiate the formal process of withdrawing ODM from the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition, citing repeated violations of the coalition’s founding agreement.

The NEC said sustained breaches by coalition partners had undermined ODM’s autonomy and strategic direction, prompting the party to begin disengagement in accordance with legal and constitutional provisions.

The developments unfolded amid visible internal tensions. Sifuna did not attend the Mombasa meeting, sending apologies without disclosing reasons, while Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi cited Senate duties in Nairobi.

Sifuna, a vocal and influential figure within ODM, had in recent months taken public positions that diverged from the party’s dominant line, particularly on cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.

Those remarks drew criticism from sections of the party leadership, who accused him of undermining collective resolutions and blurring ODM’s political messaging during a sensitive realignment period.

Last week, Sifuna dismissed reports of an imminent ouster, saying he would remain in ODM regardless of his official position, insisting party membership did not depend on holding office.

ODM’s constitution allows the NEC to remove office bearers but requires that affected officials be given an opportunity to respond to allegations, a provision that may shape internal responses to the decision.

The fallout has drawn reactions from senior figures. Siaya Governor James Orengo previously warned that removing Sifuna risked deepening divisions within the party.

Orengo described Sifuna as loyal and steadfast, cautioning that punitive action could weaken ODM at a time of transition following the death of party leader Raila Odinga last year.

The NEC, however, maintained that discipline and institutional authority were central to ODM’s survival and renewal as it prepares for a National Delegates Convention scheduled for March.

Under the new arrangement, Omanyo will oversee the party secretariat as ODM repositions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election and a potential realignment of opposition politics.