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‘No one is indispensable’: Oburu Oginga defends Sifuna’s ouster
Siaya Senator and ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has insisted it has not expelled its former Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the party, despite removing him from the powerful post over what it terms indiscipline.
Speaking during a church service in Mombasa, ODM leader Oburu Oginga said the party had appointed Catherine Omanyo as the new Secretary General, while Mr Sifuna would step aside for a period as punishment.
“That is why we are saying we have our new Secretary General, Ms Omanyo. The other Secretary General, the party decided he stays out for a little while because of lack of discipline. But we have not chased him away from the party,” Dr Oginga said at the Shalom church.
Edwin Sifuna is now locked in a struggle with ODM leader Dr Oburu Oginga’s wing.
Dr Oginga maintained that ODM would not tolerate indiscipline, stressing that party rules must be followed by all members without exception and that consequences were necessary for those who fail to comply.
“We are not going to go back because there must be an example of discipline. Somebody must feel some little pain for being indisciplined so that the party can continue to be united. The party cannot be based on fear. There is nobody who is indispensable, including me.”
He added that no individual is bigger than the party, adding that ODM belongs to the people, not to any single leader.
“If I lack discipline, then let me be expelled from the party. There is nobody bigger than the party because the party is for the people and formed by the people. The people cannot fear anybody,” he said.
Dr Oginga reiterated that ODM would not expel anyone but insisted that members who fail to follow party rules must face punishment. He also noted that although the court had stayed Mr Sifuna’s removal — effectively making him “the court’s Secretary General” — the party recognises Ms Omanyo as the substantive office holder.
“Those rules are meant for all of us and they must be followed strictly. If you do not follow them, you fall apart,” he said.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga (right) and immediate former party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
He assured supporters that ODM would remain united and would not allow divisive forces to tear it apart, even as it disciplined Mr Sifuna by relieving him of his duties.
“Our party will continue to be united. We shall not allow divisive forces to divide us. What we shall not allow is indiscipline,” he warned.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga likened the absence of the party’s founder, Raila Odinga, to the fall of a big tree that inevitably causes tremors. She said, however, that ODM would remain firm under Dr Oginga’s leadership.
“We will not forget what Raila used to fight for,” Ms Wanga said, noting his role in defending Coast residents against land injustices and championing equitable sharing of local resources.
Ms Wanga, who is also the Homa Bay Governor, described Mr Odinga and Dr Oginga as leaders who consulted closely, expressing confidence that the latter would provide steady party leadership.
“Raila never used to do anything without consulting Oburu. Raila was the hardware, and Oburu the software. They worked together. We know Oburu cannot mislead us,” she said.
She added that Coast leaders, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, were firmly behind ODM.
Ms Wanga further stated that ODM, which has existed for 20 years, was preparing to capture power in the 2027 General Election, defending the party’s decision to cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza government.
She insisted the party’s engagement with government was not about sharing positions but addressing issues affecting Kenyans.
Siaya Governor James Orengo (right) and ODM Edwin Sifuna address residents of Ugunja town during a public rally by Linda Mwananchi faction on February 8, 2026.
Mr Sifuna was ousted last week by ODM’s top organs after a meeting that lasted more than three hours. His removal followed differences with the party leadership, including his criticism of President William Ruto and the broad-based government in which ODM is participating.
Mr Sifuna has maintained that ODM will field a presidential candidate in 2027 and will not support President Ruto’s re-election. This political stance conflicts with that of some members of the party leadership who favour supporting Dr Ruto.
His opposition to ODM’s working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration ultimately led to his replacement by Ms Omanyo.
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