ODM Kicks Out Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dramatically removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as party Secretary General following a tense National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Wednesday. The party announced that the decision takes effect immediately, marking the latest escalation in internal power struggles that have rocked the Raila Odinga–founded outfit.
In a strongly worded statement, ODM said the NEC had deliberated on Sifuna’s conduct and resolved that he could no longer continue serving as the party’s chief administrator.
“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,” the statement read.
Catherine Omanyo Appointed Acting SG
Following Sifuna’s ouster, Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, was appointed to act in the position until a substantive office holder is elected. The party indicated that the transition would be immediate to ensure continuity of operations.
Omanyo, a close ally of sections of the current party leadership, now steps into one of the most influential positions in ODM at a time when the party is facing deep ideological divisions, especially over cooperation talks with President William Ruto’s UDA camp.
Rising Indiscipline Cited
The NEC expressed “grave concern” over what it termed increasing indiscipline within ODM, particularly among senior leaders. The committee insisted that the party must be guided by its constitution, the rule of law, and collective decision-making.
Party insiders say Sifuna had repeatedly clashed with a faction of ODM leaders who support structured engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration. The Nairobi Senator has been vocal in opposing ODM-UDA bipartisan talks, arguing that they dilute the party’s opposition role.
His stance reportedly put him at loggerheads with influential figures within the party hierarchy, culminating in Wednesday’s decisive action.
Rebel Wing and Internal Fallout
Sifuna has been seen as the face of a “rebel wing” within ODM that has resisted rapprochement with President Ruto. The friction has spilled into public spats, media interviews, and heated NEC exchanges.
Tellingly, several leaders perceived to be allied to Sifuna were recently targeted. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Rift Valley ODM stalwart Kipkorir Menjo were on Sunday removed from the NEC WhatsApp communication group, a move interpreted as an early signal of Wednesday’s purge.
By Wednesday morning, Amisi, Menjo, and Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma had been formally dropped from the NEC.
Amisi Vows Legal Challenge
Reacting to the decision, MP Caleb Amisi vowed to fight his removal, describing the process as irregular and procedurally flawed.
Speaking to Radio Generation, Amisi claimed that he received a letter informing him of his expulsion even before the NEC had formally met to deliberate on the matter.
“They have removed me from NEC, that was their target,” Amisi said. “The communication was done before any proper sitting. This is against party rules.”
The legislator further claimed that the letter removing him oddly congratulated him for being elected a county chair, raising questions about the authenticity of the process.
Party at Crossroads After Raila
Wednesday’s stormy meeting was only the second NEC sitting since the death of ODM’s long-serving leader Raila Odinga in October last year. His passing left a massive leadership vacuum and triggered silent battles for control of the 20-year-old party.
In the first NEC meeting held after Raila’s demise, the committee controversially appointed Oburu Oginga as interim party leader, bypassing the three deputy party leaders. That decision already exposed fault lines that have continued to widen.
Political analysts say Sifuna’s removal signals an attempt by the dominant faction to consolidate power and silence voices seen as disloyal to the new direction.
What Next for Sifuna?
Edwin Sifuna, a lawyer by profession, has been one of ODM’s most visible and articulate leaders. Since becoming Secretary General in 2022, he transformed the party’s communication style, aggressively defending ODM positions in media and Parliament.
His ejection is likely to trigger a political fight that could end up in court, especially given his popularity among the party’s urban support base.
All eyes are now on whether Sifuna will accept the decision, mobilise grassroots resistance, or chart a new political path outside ODM.
Impact on ODM Unity
The purge comes at a delicate time when ODM is trying to redefine itself after years of being Raila Odinga’s personal political vehicle. The push for collaboration with the ruling coalition has divided members between pragmatists and hardline opposition figures.
With Catherine Omanyo stepping in as acting SG, the party hopes to stabilise operations and prepare for internal elections. However, the latest fallout risks alienating a section of youthful supporters who identify with Sifuna’s combative style.
Political observers warn that unless ODM manages the transition carefully, the current wrangles could weaken the party ahead of future electoral contests.
For now, the message from the NEC is clear: discipline and loyalty to the new party line will be enforced, even if it means sacrificing some of its most prominent faces.