Sifuna Loses Secretary-General Seat in ODM NEC Reshuffle

The Ouster of Edwin Sifuna from ODM Secretary General Position

The political landscape of Kenya has once again been stirred by significant internal changes within one of its major political entities, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, a prominent and often outspoken figure, has been removed as ODM SG, a development that marks a pivotal moment for the party and could reshape its trajectory ahead of the 2027 general election. This move follows months of escalating tensions, internal disputes, and legal battles, culminating in the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) ratifying his removal. The saga underscores the intricate dynamics of party democracy, the challenges of maintaining ideological cohesion, and the enduring influence of internal power struggles in Kenyan politics.

The Initial Attempt: February 2026 NEC Meeting and Tribunal Intervention

The journey towards Edwin Sifuna’s eventual removal as Secretary General began in earnest in February 2026. On February 11, 2026, the ODM National Executive Committee convened a meeting in Mombasa, chaired by party leader Oburu Odinga. During this crucial session, the NEC resolved to relieve Senator Sifuna of his duties as Secretary General with immediate effect. The party cited concerns over indiscipline and leadership conduct within its senior ranks as the primary reasons for this drastic action. Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo was subsequently appointed to serve in an acting capacity.

However, the decision was not without immediate challenge. Sifuna swiftly moved to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) on February 12, 2026, seeking to halt his removal. The PPDT, under Acting Chairperson Gad Gathu, certified his application as urgent and issued interim conservatory orders, effectively staying the implementation of the NEC’s resolution. These orders also restrained ODM from publishing the contested resolution in the Kenya Gazette, a critical step that would have formalized his ouster. This initial intervention by the tribunal provided Sifuna with a temporary reprieve, setting the stage for a protracted legal and political battle.

The dispute hinged on whether ODM had followed due process. Sifuna argued that he had not been informed of any allegations against him nor invited to respond to complaints of indiscipline, insubordination, or incompetence, rendering the NEC’s action unprocedural and illegal. This raised questions about the party’s adherence to its own constitution and the principles of natural justice.

On March 26, 2026, the PPDT delivered a significant ruling, dismissing Sifuna’s application and directing all parties to first exhaust ODM’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM). The tribunal emphasized the constitutional authority of political parties to manage their internal disciplinary processes, provided due process is followed. This ruling reaffirmed the doctrine of exhaustion, requiring members to utilize internal party channels before seeking external adjudication. Despite this, the dispute returned to the tribunal as Sifuna sought further orders to halt the internal process. On April 9, 2026, the tribunal clarified that ODM was at liberty to proceed with, hear, and determine the disciplinary case against Sifuna through its internal structures, but any resulting decisions could not be communicated or implemented until a related application challenging the IDRM process was concluded. All interim orders previously obtained by Sifuna were vacated, allowing the internal disciplinary process to advance.

The June 2026 Developments: Tribunal Ruling and Ratification of Removal

The internal wrangles reached a critical juncture in June 2026. On June 18, 2026, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal delivered a crucial ruling that effectively cleared the path for ODM to proceed with disciplinary action against Senator Sifuna. The PPDT dismissed Sifuna’s application and vacated all interim orders that had previously stalled the disciplinary proceedings. This ruling strongly reinforced the “doctrine of exhaustion”, which mandates that parties must fully utilise internal dispute resolution channels before seeking intervention from external adjudicative bodies. The tribunal emphasised the importance of respecting the IDRM process within political parties, provided it is constitutionally grounded and properly exercised.

Following this decisive tribunal ruling, the ODM National Executive Committee wasted no time in acting. On Monday, June 22, 2026, the NEC convened a meeting at Chungwa House, chaired by ODM National Chairperson Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, with party leader Oburu Odinga also present. The committee received and considered a report from the party’s Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC), which had been constituted to hear and determine the complaint against Senator Sifuna.

After reviewing the findings and recommendations, the NEC unanimously adopted the committee’s report and endorsed the removal of Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna from office. Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo officially announced the decision, stating that “Effectively, Senator Sifuna ceases to be the Secretary-General of the ODM party”. The party justified its position by citing the PPDT’s remarks on the importance of internal party discipline and accountability, stating that the tribunal was reluctant to interfere with a political party’s disciplinary mechanisms. This marked the official and final removal of Edwin Sifuna as ODM SG from his leadership position within the party.

Key dates in the process:

• February 11, 2026: ODM NEC resolves to remove Sifuna.
• February 12, 2026: Sifuna obtains interim orders from PPDT.
• March 26, 2026: PPDT dismisses Sifuna’s application, directs internal resolution.
• April 9, 2026: PPDT clarifies ODM can proceed internally but not implement decision.
• June 18, 2026: PPDT vacates interim orders, allows ODM to proceed with disciplinary action.
• June 22, 2026: ODM NEC officially ratifies Sifuna’s removal as Secretary General.

Implications for ODM and Kenyan Politics

The removal of Edwin Sifuna as ODM SG carries significant implications for both the Orange Democratic Movement and the broader Kenyan political landscape.

• Internal Cohesion and Discipline: The party leadership, particularly figures aligned with Oburu Odinga, has emphasized that Sifuna’s removal was a measure to enforce discipline and recalibrate leadership. This move sends a strong message that the party is keen to assert its authority and ensure that officials align with the party’s strategic direction. However, it also exposes deep-seated divisions, with some factions, including Sifuna’s allies, arguing that the process was unconstitutional and procedurally flawed. This internal discord could either strengthen the party if dissenting voices are effectively managed, or it could lead to further fragmentation, especially as the party navigates its identity post-Raila Odinga.
• Leadership Succession and 2027 Elections: The leadership changes come at a critical time as ODM repositions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election. Oburu Odinga was officially confirmed as the party leader in March 2026, solidifying his authority. The removal of a vocal figure like Sifuna, who had openly opposed any plans to support President William Ruto’s re-election, highlights the ideological and strategic rift within ODM regarding potential alliances and its role as an opposition party. The party is tasked with spearheading new coalition negotiations and strengthening grassroots structures. The vacuum left by Sifuna’s departure could open opportunities for new leaders to emerge or consolidate power, but it also risks alienating a section of the party’s base that resonated with Sifuna’s outspoken stance.
• Party Democracy and Tribunal’s Role: The protracted legal back-and-forth with the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal underscores the crucial role of judicial bodies in upholding party constitutions and ensuring fair administrative action. While the tribunal initially provided Sifuna with a reprieve based on procedural fairness, its subsequent rulings consistently affirmed the principle of exhausting internal mechanisms, granting political parties the autonomy to manage their affairs once due process is observed. This establishes a precedent for how internal party disputes may be handled in the future, emphasising the need for parties to adhere strictly to their own rules.

The Evolving Landscape of ODM Leadership

The removal of Edwin Sifuna as ODM SG marks a significant chapter in the ongoing evolution of the Orange Democratic Movement. From the initial NEC resolution in February 2026 to the decisive PPDT ruling in June 2026 and the subsequent ratification of his ouster, the process has been characterized by legal challenges and internal power dynamics. While the party leadership asserts that the move is aimed at enforcing discipline and aligning its strategic direction, the episode has undeniably highlighted simmering tensions and ideological divisions within ODM, particularly concerning its stance on cooperation with the current government and its leadership in the post-Raila Odinga era. As ODM prepares for the 2027 General Election, the party faces the dual challenge of consolidating its internal structures and redefining its role in Kenya’s shifting political landscape, all while navigating the implications of this high-profile leadership change. The coming months will reveal how these internal realignments impact ODM’s unity, electoral strategy, and its overall influence in national politics.