ODM Row Deepens as Sifuna Rejects Removal

A fresh power struggle has erupted in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna rejected his removal from office and vowed to challenge the decision in court.

The dispute unfolded on Wednesday, just hours after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) announced in Mombasa that Sifuna had been removed from his position. Speaking later in Nairobi, the Nairobi Senator dismissed the decision as illegal and unprocedural, saying it did not follow ODM’s constitution.

Sifuna said he was never informed of any allegations against him and was not given a chance to defend himself. He argued that no lawful party organ summoned him for a disciplinary hearing.

“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me, and I have never been invited to respond to any complaints,” Sifuna said.

He claimed his removal was politically motivated and linked it to his open opposition to any plans within ODM to support President William Ruto’s re-election. According to Sifuna, that stance is the reason he has been targeted.

“My only crime is opposing plans and schemes to support President William Ruto’s re-election,” he said, while strongly criticising the current administration.

Sifuna was flanked by several senior ODM figures, including Winnie Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, in a show of unity that highlighted growing divisions within the party.

Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi accused a rival faction within ODM of trying to weaken the party from within, saying he would stand firm in defending the legacy of party leader Raila Odinga. Babu Owino claimed Sifuna was being victimised for speaking out on behalf of ordinary Kenyans and said the move signalled an internal “war” in the party.

Escalating the standoff, Sifuna announced plans to hold a major political rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County, indicating that the battle would extend beyond the courts and into the public space.

Earlier, the NEC said Sifuna’s removal was based on concerns over discipline and leadership conduct. The committee appointed Deputy Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo to take over the role in an acting capacity.