By Jameson
Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Hon. Edwin Sifuna has dismissed as “illegal and unprocedural” a decision by a section of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) purporting to remove him from office.
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Thursday, Sifuna said the announcement made in Mombasa on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, violated the ODM Constitution and the principles of natural justice. He maintained that he had neither been informed of any allegations against him nor invited to respond to any complaints that would justify such action.
“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me, be they of indiscipline, insubordination or incompetence,” he said. “Consequently, no lawful organ of the party has invited me for any hearing.”
Sifuna linked the move to his opposition to alleged plans within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid, describing such efforts as misguided. He argued that Kenya cannot afford another five years under the current administration, which he termed expensive, divisive, incompetent and disastrous.
The senator, who noted that February marks his ninth year as ODM Secretary General—making him the longest-serving holder of the position—defended his tenure, citing his loyalty and commitment to the party and its founding leader, the late Raila Odinga.
He said he served under Odinga with diligence and remains guided by the former Prime Minister’s ideals of social justice, constitutionalism and internal party democracy. Sifuna further claimed that Odinga would not have allowed ODM to become a mere appendage of State House.
The embattled Secretary General also questioned recent leadership changes within the party, including a Gazette notice dated February 3 which, he said, sought public input on changes after the stated deadline had already lapsed. He alleged that the installation of a new party leader was carried out unprocedurally.
Sifuna revealed that several senior figures within ODM, including party trustees Mama Ida Odinga and H.E. Ruth Odinga, had attempted to broker unity within the party ahead of a National Delegates Convention (NDC), but the dialogue efforts had not borne fruit.
“This is not about positions. It is about principle,” he said. “It is about protecting the integrity of our party and ensuring that ODM remains a democratic institution governed by rules, not impulses.”
He vowed to challenge the decision through lawful means, including in court, and urged party members to remain calm and steadfast.
“Our party constitution places a responsibility on us to fight for ODM. And fight we shall,” Sifuna declared. “Surrender is not an option.”
Despite the unfolding dispute, Sifuna insisted he remains the legitimate Secretary General of ODM and reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as the struggle for a fair and democratic Kenya.
“ODM is bigger than any individual,” he said, calling on members to remain vigilant in defending the party’s constitution and legacy.
Also present were Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga, among others.
