NAIROBI, Kenya— Feb 12, 2026—Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has insisted he remains the duly elected Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), vowing to challenge his removal in court following a dramatic decision by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to oust him from office.
The NEC, chaired by Party Leader Oburu Odinga, announced the decision in Mombasa on Wednesday, replacing Sifuna with Deputy Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo, who will serve in an acting capacity pending the election of a substantive officeholder.
The committee cited concerns over discipline and leadership conduct, saying the move was grounded in the party constitution amid what it described as escalating indiscipline among senior members.
But Sifuna, flanked by Winnie Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, dismissed the decision as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
“I remain the duly elected Secretary-General of ODM. I will be moving to court to challenge this decision,” Sifuna said, arguing that due process under the party constitution had not been followed.
In what appeared to be an immediate political counter-offensive, he announced plans for a major rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi also weighed in, accusing an Oburu Odinga-led faction of being influenced by President William Ruto to undermine the party from within.
Babu Owino claimed Sifuna was being victimised for “defending the downtrodden” and alleged that a rival camp had “declared war” within ODM.
However, the NEC maintained that no individual is above the party’s structures and processes. It further resolved to initiate a formal process of withdrawing ODM from the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition, citing alleged breaches of the coalition agreement.
Sifuna, one of ODM’s most outspoken figures, has recently faced criticism from sections of the party over remarks perceived as diverging from its dominant position — particularly on cooperation with President Ruto’s administration.
The unfolding confrontation lays bare deepening internal fractures within ODM and sets the stage for a legal and political showdown at a delicate moment for the party following the death of longtime leader Raila Odinga last year.
