ODM Purge: Officials Removed Via WhatsApp Before NEC Meeting

By Guest Writer

Caleb Hamisi has claimed he was removed from his position through a WhatsApp message hours before the Orange Democratic Movement’s National Executive Committee met in Mombasa.

Hamisi said his removal as Deputy Organising Secretary did not follow the party constitution, which requires a formal NEC resolution to expel or replace a member.

“The second casualty of this coup was removed as Deputy Organising Secretary via a WhatsApp message,” Hamisi said. “I was removed even before the NEC met. That is not how our constitution works.”

He described the developments as a “coup” within the party and said he had instructed his lawyers to initiate internal dispute resolution mechanisms before moving to court if necessary.

Edwin Sifuna also rejected his ouster as Secretary General, terming the decision illegal and procedurally flawed.

“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me or invited to respond to any complaints,” Sifuna said. “We will challenge every illegality in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion. Surrender is not an option for us.”

Sifuna argued that no lawful organ of the party had convened a hearing to consider his removal. He maintained that he remained the duly elected Secretary General.

Godfrey Osotsi alleged that there was an attempt to orchestrate a hostile takeover of the party. He claimed some leaders consulted President William Ruto at State House before proceeding with the NEC meeting.

Osotsi said he and Sifuna skipped the Mombasa meeting after being told consultations were ongoing. He maintained that the decision to remove Sifuna lacked consensus.

Babu Owino described the Mombasa meeting as illegal and accused party officials of violating the ODM constitution by failing to accord Sifuna a fair hearing.

James Orengo said Sifuna remained the legitimate Secretary General and warned against what he termed external interference in party affairs.

Under the Political Parties Act, disputes relating to party membership, leadership, and nominations must first be lodged before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The tribunal has jurisdiction to hear complaints arising from party constitutions and internal processes.

Courts have consistently held that parties must exhaust internal dispute mechanisms and the tribunal process before seeking judicial review at the High Court. Party expulsions and removals have been overturned in the past where due process and natural justice were not observed.

Sifuna and his allies say they will pursue all available legal channels to challenge the decisions. The party’s National Executive Committee has yet to issue a detailed public explanation on the procedural steps followed.