ODM kicks out Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna

Mr Sifuna, who is also the Nairobi senator, was dropped as the party's senior official in absentia during the NEC meeting held in Mombasa, where the Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Catherine Omanyo, was picked to act in this position until a substantive holder of the position is elected.

Read: ODM, the falling empire? Oburu fights back as Ruth Odinga sides with Sifuna

In a statement read on behalf of the NEC by Ms Omanyo, the top party organ expressed grave concern over the rising levels of indiscipline within the Party, particularly at the senior leadership level, where the committee underscored that ODM is governed by its Constitution, the rule of law, and collective decision-making through its duly constituted organs.

“Having deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of the Secretary General, Sen. Sifuna, the NEC resolved to remove him from office with immediate effect in accordance with the Party Constitution and applicable laws. Effectively, Ms Omanyo will act in this position until a substantive holder of the position is elected,” read the statement.

Earlier in the day, party leader Dr Oburu Oginga warned of rebel leaders and members, saying the party is like a club and members have to abide by the rules.

Read: ODM wrangles: Oparanya-led ‘G8’ accuses Oburu group of ‘greed’

“This party is like a club, and you must obey the club rules; you cannot be a member if you contradict the decisions of the club. Democracy does not mean chaos; democracy must have some discipline. In a democracy, there is a majority and a minority, and the minority decision is respected, whereas that of the majority is adopted,” said Dr Oginga.

Senator Sifuna has been a leading, vocal critic of President William Ruto's administration, despite his own party’s decision to join a "broad-based" government with the ruling UDA party.

The Nairobi senator has been leading a group referred to as "Kenya Moja," which has vowed to end President Ruto’s reign and ensure he serves only one term.

The Nairobi senator has criticised the government's economic policies, the "Nyota Fund," labelling it a scam, and the handling of youth, particularly regarding the use of police force against protesters.

Despite his party's (ODM) agreement to work with President Ruto, Mr Sifuna has maintained a rebellious stance, stating he will never support a Ruto re-election bid, even if his party dictates it.

Due to his outspoken opposition, Sifuna has faced immense pressure from within ODM to align with the government or resign.

Read: Sifuna's make-or-break decision: Options amid push to oust him from ODM

After a long day of deliberations, the NEC resolved to convene an NDC in Nairobi on March 27. 2026, where the delegates shall, among other agenda items, deliberate on the party's strategic direction, ratify key decisions of the Party organs, and prepare ODM for the 2027 General Election.

The party leadership also formally mandated Dr Oginga to lead and oversee negotiations on behalf of ODM in respect of the party's pre-election coalition arrangements with other political parties and formations, guided by ODM's ideological foundations, strategic interests, and the aspirations of its membership.

Read:  Orengo, Sifuna, Babu launch rival rallies as ODM rift widens

“The NEC reaffirmed ODM's commitment to democratic governance, constitutionalism, social justice, and the pursuit of a broad-based, inclusive, and reform-oriented government that reflects the will and aspirations of the Kenyan people,” said Ms Omany.

“The NEC received and deliberated upon a progress report on the implementation of the party's 10-Point Agenda and the work of the committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of both the 10-Point Agenda and the National Dialogue Committee,” read the statement.

On compensation for victims of human rights violations, ODM leadership reiterated its commitment to justice and accountability and called upon the national government to provide for the allocation of adequate funds in the forthcoming Supplementary Budget to facilitate compensation of victims of human rights violations and derogations.

ODM resolved that such funds be channelled through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to ensure transparency, credibility, and expeditious disbursement to deserving victims.

The party's top organs reviewed recent developments within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition. It is noted with concern that certain erstwhile coalition partners have acted in violation of the Deed of Agreement that established the Coalition.

The NEC further called upon all relevant stakeholders and parties to urgently address the impediments that have slowed progress, and to demonstrate goodwill in ensuring the full and faithful implementation of agreed reforms and mandated the Leader of Minority Junet Mohammed to institute mechanisms to ensure the proposed allocation of Sh450 billion to Counties is made mandatory in the supplementary budget.

Mr Sifuna’s removal comes a few days after former national chairperson John Mbadi called on the party leadership to expel the secretary-general, accusing him of repeatedly acting in defiance of party leader Oburu Oginga and the collective will of the party.

The Treasury Cabinet Secretary described Mr Sifuna as a stumbling block to the Orange party’s cohesion and success, arguing that the Nairobi senator has consistently expressed views at odds with the party’s direction.

According to Mr Mbadi, Mr Sifuna’s exit - whether voluntary or enforced - would have no adverse effect on ODM. He went further to allege that the secretary general was advancing the interests of individuals within and outside the party.

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