NAIROBI, Kenya — There are growing internal calls within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for the removal of Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary‑General, amid disagreements over his public criticism of the so‑called broad‑based government arrangement between ODM and President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
While no formal removal process has been enacted, a number of ODM leaders and allied groups have publicly criticised Sifuna, arguing that his comments and positions are at odds with those of other senior party officials and could undermine the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election.
The calls became louder on Saturday, after Sifuna criticized National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and accused him of compromising the late Raila Odinga’s election plans in 2022.
Sifuna made the allegations during a burial event in Muranga County, attended by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua.
“He’s no longer a stray dog but a feral. Barking at everything including own shadow and busy dismantling his own shelter to break-away & join wilderness of scavenging packs. Must be released to the jungle,” Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said in a statement on X.
Mbadi is among the beneficiaries of the broad-based government.
He’s no longer stray dog but feral. Barking at everything including own shadow and busy dismantling his own shelter to break-away & join wilderness of scavenging packs.Must be released to the jungle!
Calls From Within the Party
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has been among the most vocal in calling for Sifuna’s ouster.
Cherargei is a member of Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.
In October 2025, Cherargei argued that Sifuna’s stance on the broad‑based government deal, a memorandum of understanding signed between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto, was hindering the party’s political growth and cooperation with the government.
Cherargei urged that Sifuna be removed from his post by the end of 2025.
Similarly, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma publicly demanded in July 2025 that Sifuna either resign or be removed as both ODM Secretary‑General and Senate Minority Leader, saying that his criticisms were causing confusion and discord within the party.
Kaluma described Sifuna’s continued tenure as “no longer tenable.”
In addition, other branches within the party and allied youth groups have criticised Sifuna for statements seen as contradicting the official position of the ODM leadership on the broad‑based government.
For example, a youth movement in Kisumu accused Sifuna of making remarks contrary to the party’s agenda, saying he should vacate the Secretary‑General position.
Sifuna’s Position and Broader Disagreement
Sifuna himself has been a persistent critic of how the broad‑based government narrative has been articulated, at times rejecting terms and interpretations used by pro‑government figures.
In May 2025, he publicly stated that he did not “recognise any entity called broad‑based government,” arguing that the arrangement remained unclear and not formally institutionalised.
He has also warned against the misuse of the broad‑based term by politicians, maintaining that the agreement reached with the ruling party was built on specific commitments rather than being a general slogan.
On Saturday, he urged Mt Kenya region to reject President Ruto, saying Kenya would not survive another term under his leadership.
He also accused Suna East MP and a senior leader within ODM of “eating” former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s money meant of agents, during the 2022 general elections.
Kama sio Junet, tungekuwa kwa serikali – Edwin Sifuna
Support and Defence Within ODM
Not all party figures support calls for removal.
Oburu Oginga, acting ODM party leader, has dismissed calls to oust Sifuna, emphasising the need for unity and saying that this is not the time to talk about any member’s ouster.
Oginga defended Sifuna’s role and contributions to the party.
Similarly, some delegates and party supporters have publicly defended Sifuna, reiterating that diverse opinions, including criticism of how broad‑based governance is being framed, are part of the democratic process within the party.
What This Means Ahead of 2027
While no formal proceedings to remove Sifuna have been announced by ODM’s official organs, the public criticism from within the party highlights a broader debate on strategy, ideological direction, and how ODM relates to the ruling government ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say that managing these rifts will be critical for ODM as it seeks to maintain unity between its official leadership, elected members, and grassroots supporters in the run‑up to the next general poll.
Mr. Sifuna will toe the party line, or we, the young people of ODM, SHALL make him. You will not joke with the heritage Baba left us. We shall achieve our liberation, with or without you.You will respect our party and you will respect our Party Leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga.
