ODM Outs Edwin Sifuna As ODM Secretary General
In a major political shake-up, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially ousted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary General. The decision was reached during a high-stakes National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Wednesday, February 11.
The Ouster: Misconduct and Indiscipline
The NEC cited “rising levels of indiscipline” and a breach of party protocol as the primary reasons for Sifuna’s immediate removal. The committee emphasized that the party must be governed by its constitution and the principle of collective decision-making, suggesting that Sifuna had been acting outside these bounds.
Key Reasons for the Removal:
- Rebellion Against Coalitions: Sifuna has reportedly been leading a wing of the party opposed to the proposed 2027 ODM-UDA pre-election coalition talks.
- Conflicting Rallies: Sifuna recently launched the “Linda Mwananchi Tour,” which directly competed with the “Linda Ground” rallies sanctioned by party leadership.
- Public Utterances: Party Leader Oburu Oginga reportedly lectured Sifuna during the meeting, criticizing him for using “democratic rights” as a shield to undermine official party resolutions.
Leadership Transition
To fill the vacuum left by Sifuna’s exit, the NEC has appointed Catherine Omanyo, the Busia Woman Representative, as the acting Secretary General.
”The NEC resolved that Omanyo, who serves as a deputy secretary general, will hold the position in an acting capacity until a substantive official is formally elected.” — ODM Official Statement
A Wider Purge
The crackdown on “rebel” elements within the party extended beyond Sifuna. Several of his close allies were also stripped of their NEC positions, including:
- Caleb Amisi (Saboti MP)
- Kipkorir Menjo (Rift Valley stalwart)
- Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta Senator)
The Internal Rift
The tension within ODM has been brewing for some time. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi had previously signaled plans for this move, accusing Sifuna of divided loyalties and promoting agendas that conflicted with the party’s official stance on the 2027 roadmap.
While Sifuna has already announced his first political rally post-ouster, the move marks a significant consolidation of power by the wing of the party loyal to Oburu Oginga and the proposed cooperation with the UDA.
