Sifuna’s Ouster and the Battle for ODM’s Soul

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was thrust into fresh turbulence this week after its National Executive Committee (NEC) announced the immediate removal of Secretary General Senator Edwin Sifuna, a decision that was swiftly challenged in court and temporarily halted.

On Wednesday, February 11, the party’s NEC, meeting in Mombasa, resolved to remove Sifuna from office, citing concerns over discipline and leadership conduct. The announcement was delivered by Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, the Busia Woman Representative, who was named acting Secretary General pending the election of a substantive officeholder.

“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 in accordance with the party constitution and applicable laws,” Omanyo said in a statement.

The committee expressed what it termed “grave concern” over rising indiscipline within senior ranks, emphasising that ODM is governed by its constitution, the rule of law and collective decision-making through established party organs. No individual, the NEC stressed, is above party structures.

In a parallel and politically significant resolution, the NEC also moved to initiate ODM’s formal withdrawal from the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition. The party accused coalition partners of repeatedly violating the founding agreement, arguing that disengagement was necessary to safeguard ODM’s autonomy and strategic direction.

Absences fuel speculation

Notably absent from the Mombasa meeting were Sifuna himself and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi. Party insiders said Sifuna sent apologies without publicly explaining his absence, while Osotsi cited Senate commitments in Nairobi.

The timing raised eyebrows. Sifuna had been at the centre of growing speculation about his fate within the party, particularly after remarks perceived by some members as diverging from ODM’s dominant position, especially on cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.

Last week, Sifuna had publicly downplayed reports of an impending ouster, maintaining that his loyalty to ODM was not tied to holding office.

“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,” he said during a televised interview.

Party insiders suggested his absence from the NEC session may not have been coincidental, pointing to heightened internal tensions and reports that some of his supporters had mobilised around the time of the meeting.

ODM’s constitution outlines conditions under which an official may cease to hold office. Article 74 allows removal through an NEC resolution but also requires that any office bearer facing such action be granted a fair opportunity to defend themselves.

“It is hereby provided that prior to the removal of any office bearer, he/she shall be granted adequate opportunity to defend himself/herself against any allegations,” the constitution states.

Sifuna’s allies argued that this provision had not been honoured.

Court intervenes

By Thursday, February 12, the dispute had shifted from party corridors to the courtroom. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal ordered the immediate suspension of the implementation and gazettement of Sifuna’s removal, pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

“Pending the hearing and determination of this application, this honourable tribunal hereby issues orders staying the implementation of the Resolution made by the National Executive Committee of the Orange Democratic Movement Party,” the ruling stated.

The tribunal further restrained the respondents from publishing the NEC resolution in the Kenya Gazette and scheduled a mention of the petition for February 26.

The orders came hours after Sifuna filed a petition challenging the NEC’s decision.

Sifuna’s counterattack

Addressing the press in Nairobi, Sifuna mounted a robust defence, declaring himself the validly elected Secretary General and terming the NEC’s action illegal, unprocedural and unconstitutional.

“At no time have I been informed of indiscipline. No organ of the party has invited me for any disciplinary action,” he said.

He insisted he had not been given an opportunity to respond to any complaints, arguing that the move violated both the ODM constitution and principles of natural justice.

Sifuna framed the decision as politically motivated, claiming it amounted to a “witch hunt” linked to his opposition to any plans within ODM to support President Ruto’s re-election.

“My only ‘crime’ is that I have refused and opposed any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election,” he said, adding that nothing lawfully warranted his removal after more than nine years in office.

“This month marks the beginning of my ninth year as SG of ODM, the longest-serving individual in that position,” he noted.

Senior figures weigh in

The fallout has drawn in influential voices within ODM. Siaya Governor James Orengo had earlier cautioned against Sifuna’s removal, warning that such a move risked fracturing the party, particularly following the death of longtime leader Raila Odinga last year.

On Thursday, Orengo stood beside Sifuna at a press briefing also attended by EALA MP Winnie Odinga, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other leaders seen as sceptical of closer ties with President Ruto’s administration.

Sifuna praised efforts by party trustees and members of Raila Odinga’s family to foster unity, while reaffirming his commitment to the party’s ideals.

“I have served this party with loyalty, diligence and unwavering commitment,” he said. “I will never betray the ideals and principles of the late Raila Odinga.”

He added that his reservations about ODM’s engagement with Ruto’s camp predated Odinga’s passing.

“My opposition to the party’s dalliance with Ruto started long before the Rt Hon Raila passed on. He understood my reasons and accommodated them.”