The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has escalated its battle against Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) cleared the way to revive internal disciplinary proceedings against him, setting the stage for another round of showdown.
While the tribunal stopped short of determining Mr Sifuna's fate, its ruling handed ODM a procedural victory by affirming that the party's Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM) must be exhausted before the dispute can be litigated elsewhere.
The decision has emboldened a section of ODM leaders who have long accused the Nairobi senator of undermining the party's official position, particularly on the broad-based government arrangement between ODM and President William Ruto .
ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong'wen described the ruling as vindication for the party's stance that internal disciplinary structures must be respected.
Mr Ong'wen said the dispute dates back to February 11, when ODM's National Executive Committee initiated a process to remove Mr Sifuna as secretary-general over allegations of repeatedly contradicting party positions, skipping official meetings and engaging in political activities that are not sanctioned by the party.
The party said that the senator, who is the party’s official spokesman, must be punished for “attempting a coup” from within. Mr Sifuna is also on the radar for supposedly abdicating his duties while defying party positions and its leadership. He also openly vowed that he could not work with ODM leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, who is also the Siaya senator.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna address a Linda Mwananchi politcal rally at Mazembe Grounds in Nakuru City on April 19, 2026.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Mr Sifuna had initially obtained interim orders from the tribunal, halting the process of his removal as ODM secretary-general. However, the party now argues that the latest ruling by the tribunal has once again reopened the door for disciplinary action.
"The tribunal reiterated that the dispute before it was premature, noting that the Party's Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism had not been exhausted," Mr Ong'wen said.
ODM Deputy Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo told Sunday Nation that the party intends to immediately restart the process.
"ODM party has got its structures. So, somebody cannot come to distract us and rush to court. Everybody has a right, but the party has the capacity to handle all the challenges it is facing. We thank the tribunal for dispensing with this matter," she said.
Party insiders say the ruling has strengthened the resolve of leaders pushing for Mr Sifuna's removal from the influential secretary-general position.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that ODM's disciplinary organs are expected to formally initiate a fresh process in line with the tribunal's directive, ensuring every procedural requirement is followed to avoid another legal setback.
The move comes amid widening ideological divisions within ODM, where one faction led by Dr Oginga has embraced cooperation with President Ruto's administration, while Mr Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi allies want the party to remain firmly in opposition.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, party chairperson Gladys Wanga and other officials of the party during a political rally at Kirembe Grounds in Kisumu on May 31, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
These divisions have increasingly spilled into public view, with Mr Sifuna openly criticising the broad-based arrangement and frequently clashing with senior ODM figures who are supportive of the rapprochement with State House.
For party hardliners, the secretary-general's public dissent has become untenable.
However, for Mr Sifuna’s supporters, the disciplinary action is an attempt to silence one of the few remaining voices articulating ODM's traditional opposition credentials.
Even before the tribunal ruling, there were signs that ODM was gradually isolating Mr Sifuna within Parliament.
Last week, the Nairobi senator was removed from the powerful Senate Energy Committee, chaired by Dr Oginga. He was replaced by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang'.
The committee is among the most influential in the Senate, owing to its oversight role over key sectors, including electricity, petroleum and renewable energy.
Mr Sifuna’s removal was widely interpreted as a signal from ODM's leadership. And unlike other senators who were affected by the reshuffle, Mr Sifuna was not assigned another committee.
He was left with membership in only two committees — the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Mr Kajwang' and the Senate National Security, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
ODM insiders now claim that efforts are underway to remove Mr Sifuna from the National Security Committee as well and reassign him to less influential committees.
Should that happen, it would further diminish his parliamentary footprint and access to strategic legislative platforms.
The committee changes have reinforced perceptions that ODM is gradually tightening the screws on its besieged secretary-general.
But sources say the most consequential battle may not be over yet for the secretary-general’s position or committee assignments.
Concerning Mr Sifuna's position as Deputy Senate Minority Whip, party insiders said that discussions are underway regarding his future in the office. Some ODM leaders are reportedly said to be pushing for Mr Sifuna's removal.
The post carries significant political influence within Parliament, and it comes with substantial administrative and logistical privileges.
Loss of the position would not only diminish Mr Sifuna's standing within the Senate hierarchy, but it could also affect staffing arrangements attached to the office.
For Mr Sifuna, therefore, the threat extends beyond party structures into the institutional power he currently wields in Parliament.
The possibility of losing both the ODM secretary-general’s position and the Deputy Minority Whip post would represent a major political setback.
Yet despite mounting pressure, Mr Sifuna continues to enjoy considerable support both within sections of ODM and in the broader opposition.
His Linda Mwananchi movement that brings together Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, among other leaders, has emerged as a rallying point for ODM members opposed to the party's cooperation with President Ruto.
Linda Mwananchi, spokesperson and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, argues that ODM has effectively split into two camps.
"Baba's (Raila Odinga) last political machine comprised ODM and Azimio parties. ODM is now split into two factions. While the Linda Mwananchi faction has soared with 73 per cent support amongst ODM members, the Linda Ground faction has completely failed to lift off the ground," he said.
Mr Omondi maintains that Linda Mwanaichi remains committed to preserving ODM's traditional opposition values, and could eventually seek an alternative political vehicle if reconciliation proves impossible.
"If the Linda Ground group fails to retrace its steps and return to the people, we will do what Baba did in 1996, when he led the people out of Ford-Kenya into NDP, and give the people an alternative party that carries their hopes and aspirations," he declared.
The remarks have only fuelled speculation that Mr Sifuna could eventually break ranks with ODM and align with other emerging like-minded opposition leaders.
Political analyst Prof Gitile Naituli believes the current turmoil may ultimately create opportunities rather than destroy Mr Sifuna.
"Edwin Sifuna is certainly at an important political crossroads, but crossroads in politics often create opportunities rather than endings," he said.
The professor of Management and Leadership at the Multi Media University of Kenya said Mr Sifuna remains one of Kenya's most recognisable politicians and enjoys visibility that extends far beyond Nairobi.
"He has built a national profile that extends well beyond Nairobi and has cultivated an image of independence, consistency and willingness to speak his mind."
Prof Naituli argues that Mr Sifuna still possesses multiple political options, including seeking re-election as Nairobi senator, becoming a key figure within the opposition alliance or positioning himself for a larger national role in future elections.
Political analyst Mark Bichachi said that immediate resignation from ODM would be politically risky for the Nairobi senator.
"Sifuna must remain an ODM member until he is ready for an election. Resigning will trigger a by-election. This is a fate no one wants," Mr Bichachi said.
He predicts that ODM's internal contradictions will continue for some time as sections of the party remain in government while others maintain opposition credentials.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna addresses delegates during the People’s Delegate Convention organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on March 27, 2026.
Photo credit: File | Nation
"The house that is divided that is ODM will continue to have one foot in government and the other in opposition,” Mr Bichachi said.
Analyst Mr Dismas Mokua warns that while Mr Sifuna currently enjoys unprecedented visibility, he must convert popularity into sustainable political infrastructure.
"The probability does exist that Sifuna may find himself without an elective seat after the 2027 General Election if he does not do strategic scenario and sensitivity analysis," Mr Mokua cautioned.
He said that Mr Sifuna's political opponents are already planning for the next phase of the contest.
Despite the mounting pressure, some opposition leaders view Mr Sifuna as an indispensable figure in any anti-Ruto coalition.
"If Sifuna is not going to be a presidential candidate, the only person I will allow Sifuna to deputise is Maraga (former Chief Justice David Maraga)," Mr Amisi said.
"Our very bare minimum is that one of us has to be on the ticket. That person is Sifuna. His face and name must be on the presidential ballot," he said.
Political commentator Mr Herman Manyora also believes that Mr Sifuna's political momentum is intact.
"Edwin Sifuna is a man on a forward march, propelled by the winds of fortune," he observed.
But others are less convinced. Analyst Mr Javas Bigambo said that while Mr Sifuna is attracting enormous public attention, he has yet to convert it into a coherent national political project.
"He'd better train his sights on Senate re-election, or start positioning himself as Western Kenya's supremo with focus on 2032," Mr Bigambo said.
As ODM prepares a fresh disciplinary offensive, Mr Sifuna's next move remains unclear.
Yesterday, the Nairobi senator did not respond to Sunday Nation inquiries regarding the planned disciplinary action against him.
For ODM, the tribunal ruling has provided legal cover to proceed with action against him.
For Mr Sifuna, the challenge is no longer simply about retaining a party office. Analysts say it is about protecting his influence, preserving his parliamentary standing and determining whether his future lies in ODM, or beyond it.
