ODM Restructures Senate Leadership As Edwin Sifuna Is Replaced As Deputy Minority Whip

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has restructured its Senate leadership, removing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his role as Senate Deputy Minority Whip.

During a Senate session on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Speaker Amason Kingi officially informed lawmakers that he had received a formal communication from Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo regarding the party’s decision.

Kingi announced that Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has been appointed as the new Deputy Senate Minority Whip, replacing Sifuna with immediate effect.

“By a letter dated July 16, 2026, I received correspondence from the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Stewart Madzayo, regarding the removal of Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip and the election of Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch to replace him,” Speaker Kingi informed the House.

The Speaker confirmed that Sifuna’s removal complied fully with Senate Standing Orders. He explained that under Standing Order 234, a minority leader can be removed by a majority vote of senators from the minority party, while Standing Order 236 mandates that the decision be delivered to the Speaker in writing.

Madzayo’s communication included the minutes of the minority party’s meeting held on July 15, 2026, along with a signed list of senators who voted in favor of the resolution.

Despite the leadership shake-up, the transition appeared amicable. Moments after the Speaker’s announcement, Sifuna was seen warmly shaking hands with Oketch, who was seated next to him in the chamber.

As the new Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Senator Oketch will be tasked with coordinating minority party business, mobilizing members for key votes, and supporting the minority leadership in managing parliamentary affairs.