A fresh power struggle has erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna rejected his removal as Secretary General and declared that he will neither step aside nor recognise the decision announced by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the ODM NEC meeting held in Mombasa resolved to relieve Sifuna of his duties with immediate effect, citing concerns related to discipline and leadership conduct. The committee simultaneously appointed Deputy Secretary General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Nakhabi Omanyo to serve in an acting capacity pending further party processes.
The move followed months of simmering internal tensions within ODM, largely linked to differing positions over the party’s evolving political strategy and its perceived rapprochement with the Kenya Kwanza administration. Sifuna, known for his outspoken stance, has consistently opposed any arrangement that could be interpreted as supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid — a position that appears to have deepened divisions within the party’s top leadership.
Sifuna Dismisses Decision as “Illegal and Unprocedural”
Just hours after the NEC announcement, Sifuna addressed supporters in Nairobi, flanked by Winnie Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and other leaders allied to his camp.
In a strongly worded statement, the Senator dismissed the NEC resolution as unlawful and vowed to challenge it in court.
“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me. Neither have I been invited to respond to any complaints,” Sifuna said. “No lawful party organ has subjected me to any disciplinary process. This decision is illegal and unprocedural.”
Sifuna maintained that he remains the duly elected Secretary General of ODM and accused a faction within the party of attempting to silence dissenting voices.
“My only crime is that I oppose any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election,” he stated, sharply criticising the current administration and reiterating his commitment to the party’s founding principles.
Allies Rally Behind Sifuna
The show of solidarity from senior ODM figures underscored widening fault lines within the party. Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi vowed to defend what he described as Raila Odinga’s political legacy, accusing unnamed factions of working to undermine the party from within.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino characterised Sifuna’s removal as internal victimisation, claiming that a rival camp had effectively “declared war” within ODM.
The public backing by prominent leaders signals that the dispute extends beyond administrative restructuring and reflects deeper ideological and strategic divisions.
Escalation Beyond the Courtroom
In a further escalation of the standoff, Sifuna announced plans to convene a major political rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County, signalling that the battle for the party’s direction will not be confined to legal proceedings but will also play out in the public and political arena.
With both camps holding firm positions, ODM now faces a potentially defining internal crisis. The unfolding dispute could reshape the party’s leadership architecture, influence its political posture ahead of future electoral contests, and test its unity at a critical juncture.
Further developments are expected as legal and political processes take shape in the coming days.
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