NAIROBI, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary General, in a dramatic turn of events that underscores widening internal divisions within the party following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of ODM on Wednesday resolved to strip Sifuna of his top administrative role during a meeting in Kilifi County.
In the same session, the committee also removed several other party officials from leadership positions.
Officials said the decision stemmed from ongoing ideological differences within the party, particularly over its position on the broad-based government arrangement between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) led by President William Ruto.
Sifuna had been one of the party’s most vocal critics of the pact, arguing on several occasions that the agreement had outlived its usefulness and contradicted the party’s values.
Rising Tensions Over Party Direction
The tensions escalated after Odinga’s death, which has left a ‘leadership vacuum ‘and triggered a struggle over the future direction of the party.
His brother Oburu Oginga has not been able to command respect as he did.
Sifuna had repeatedly challenged aspects of the agreement that united ODM and UDA, including declaring it void in light of recent human rights concerns, and questioning its relevance as a tool for achieving political objectives.
His public statements on national television and social media, which some senior party figures viewed as undermining party unity, contributed to a growing push within ODM to sideline him.
The ODM Party leader accused Sifuna of making remarks that risked misleading supporters and distorting public perception of internal party structures.
Sifuna’s critics also took issue with his comments about internal party finances, where he revealed alleged outstanding funds owed to ODM by the National Treasury.
Those disclosures compounded unease among some members about his approach to party communication.
Calls for Removal and Internal Debate
The push for Sifuna’s removal was not sudden.
In early January, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch filed a petition seeking to oust Sifuna as Secretary General, accusing him of misconduct, indiscipline, and of acting outside the party’s constitution and rules.
While that particular petition was later withdrawn following discussions with senior leadership, it highlighted fractures within the party.
Other party figures, such as Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, had publicly predicted Sifuna’s eventual ouster, accusing him of working with rival political interests and being at odds with ODM’s strategic objectives.
A First Major Shift Since Odinga’s Death
Political analysts say Sifuna’s removal is significant as it is viewed as the first major leadership casualty in ODM since the death of Raila, who had been the party’s unifying figure for decades.
Some party elders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, previously warned that removing Sifuna could damage ODM’s cohesion, given his years of loyal service and public profile.
The decisions by the NEC open a new chapter in ODM’s internal politics, as leaders debate whether to maintain collaborative engagement with the government or return to a purist opposition stance ahead of the 2027 general election.
ODM is now eyeing to ink a power-sharing deal with President William Ruto’s UDA, without the ‘unwanted’ opposition from Sifuna and his allies.
