Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna…Photo/IP
NAIROBI, Kenya
Kenya’s main opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has unanimously voted to eject Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his powerful post as secretary general.
The decision caps months of escalating internal warfare following the death of longtime opposition patriarch Raila Odinga.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), chaired by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and attended by new party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, ratified the ouster Monday.
The NEC adopted findings from an internal disputes panel that accused Sifuna of gross indiscipline and defying collective party decisions.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo has been appointed as acting secretary general.
The Core DisputeSifuna’s removal stems from his fierce public opposition to the party’s growing cooperation with President William Ruto’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He repeatedly criticized the current leadership for entering into a “broad-based” government arrangement, which he termed a betrayal of ODM’s founding ideals.
In a quick rejoinder Sifuna slammed the NEC decision as an illegal attempt by a “neck” of the party to purge independent voices.
He announced he will return to court to challenge the ouster, having previously won a temporary reprieve from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) over procedural fairness.
Stalwarts Defend the OusterParty leader Dr. Oburu Oginga sharply rebuked Sifuna, declaring that “no one is bigger than the party.”
Oginga accused the Nairobi senator of failing to separate his personal opinions from official ODM policy, causing unnecessary confusion among the party base.
Other party stalwarts, including Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, defended the legitimacy of the removal.
Amollo noted that Sifuna was given ample time to respond through his legal team, fulfilling all constitutional and procedural requirements.
Political Consequences
A Deepening Party Fracture:
Sifuna’s ouster formalizes a bitter split between the old guard dynasty loyal to Oginga and a younger, more radical rebel wing.
The Rise of Linda Mwananchi: Sifuna has actively championed the Linda Mwananchi movement alongside anti-government figures like Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Analysts suggest this movement could transform into a formidable breakaway political party.
2027 Coalition Realignments:
With Sifuna sidelined, ODM’s current leadership is expected to push closer to an official 2027 pre-election pact with President Ruto, shifting Kenya’s traditional opposition boundaries.
Ends.
