NAIROBI, Kenya — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally initiated disciplinary proceedings against Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, in a move that could culminate in his removal as the party’s Secretary General.
In a show cause letter dated Thursday, April 2, and signed by party chairperson Gladys Wanga, Sifuna was directed to appear before ODM’s disciplinary committee on April 8 to respond to a series of allegations touching on party discipline and cohesion.
The party accuses Sifuna of publicly contradicting ODM’s official positions, including his outspoken rejection of a reported pre-election arrangement between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) associated with President William Samoei Ruto.
ODM further alleges that the senator’s statements have caused confusion and undermined collective party decisions, despite his participation in internal deliberations.
“That your conduct, taken cumulatively, amounts to actions prejudicial to the interests, discipline, cohesion, and public standing of the party, in contravention of Article 11 (2) of the ODM party constitution and your obligations as senior party official,” the letter states.
Sifuna is also accused of failing to attend key party meetings, including a February Central Committee session that reportedly endorsed his removal as Secretary General.
Additionally, the party has taken issue with his alleged involvement in the “Linda Mwananchi” initiative, which it claims was established outside the party’s authorised structures.
He has been warned that failure to respond within the stipulated timeline will see the matter determined in his absence, in line with ODM’s internal disciplinary procedures.
The disciplinary action follows a recent ruling by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, which dismissed Sifuna’s petition challenging his ouster and directed both parties to resolve the dispute internally through ODM’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (IDRM).
“The complainant and the first respondent shall attempt to resolve the dispute through the first respondent’s IDRM mechanisms. Parties are encouraged to submit to IDRM in good faith,” the tribunal ruled.
The developments underscore deepening internal divisions within ODM, with rival factions emerging in recent weeks.
The ‘Linda Mwananchi’ faction is largely aligned with opposition elements, while the “Linda Ground” faction is seen as closer to the government.
The party’s Special Delegates Conference held on March 27 further reshaped its leadership structure, removing Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as deputy party leader.
In the same meeting, Oburu Odinga was elected party leader, with Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir named as deputy party leaders, while Wanga assumed the position of national chairperson.
