MOMBASA, Kenya — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has dismissed claims that embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna was expelled from the party, clarifying that he was only removed from the position but remains a member of ODM.
Speaking during a church service at Shalom Miracle Church in Makupa, Mombasa, on Sunday, February 15, Oburu said the party had merely taken disciplinary action against Sifuna over alleged indiscipline.
“We have our SG, Catherine Omanyo, and the other SG, the party said he should be out a little because of indiscipline, but we have not thrown him out of the party. He is the court’s SG, and Omanyo is the SG of the party, and we are not going to go back,” Oburu said.
He reaffirmed the position of Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo as the interim Secretary General following a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
“There must be some example of discipline. Somebody must feel some little pain of being disciplined so that the party can continue to be united. The party cannot be based on fear,” Oburu added, insisting that no individual was bigger than the party.
The party leader maintained that ODM’s constitution is explicit on discipline and that any member who defies party positions must face consequences, regardless of rank.
He added that even he, as party leader, could be disciplined if he went against agreed party positions.
The dispute follows a decision by ODM’s NEC to remove Sifuna from the Secretary General post. Sifuna, however, moved to court to challenge the decision.
The High Court granted conservatory orders blocking the party from gazetting his ouster pending the hearing and determination of his petition.
The parallel claims to the office have exposed internal tensions within the party. While Oburu and senior party officials were in Mombasa, another faction led by Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino held engagements in Kitengela under the “Linda Wananchi” tour.
Oburu, however, downplayed the divisions, asserting that ODM remains united and resilient against what he described as external attempts to sow discord.
“We will not allow forces from outside to divide this party. ODM is strong and united,” he said.
As the court process unfolds, the outcome will likely shape not only the party’s internal leadership structure but also its posture ahead of future political contests.
