ODM Denies Claims of Receiving Orders From Ruto to Remove Sifuna
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly dismissed allegations that its leadership acted under instructions from President William Ruto or the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) when it decided to remove Edwin Sifuna from his position as the party’s Secretary General.
The party has maintained that the decision was purely internal and was reached independently through its own structures.
Speaking during an interview on NTV on Thursday, February 12, ODM Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abduswamad Nassir rejected claims that the move was influenced by external political forces.
Nassir explained that the decision was made after extensive discussions by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which he said carefully reviewed the situation before arriving at a conclusion.
According to him, the NEC acted based on internal considerations and party discipline rather than outside pressure.
Nassir clarified that the decision followed a majority vote by NEC members, who felt that Sifuna’s recent public positions appeared to differ from the party’s official stance on several issues.
However, he emphasized that Sifuna had not been expelled from ODM and continues to remain a loyal member of the party despite losing the leadership position.
“That is not true at all, and it is unfortunate that such claims are being spread. He has not been removed from the party. He remains a member of ODM,” Nassir stated, adding that the party remains united despite the ongoing debate surrounding the decision.
Following the announcement of his removal, Sifuna broke his silence on Thursday morning, acknowledging the wave of support he had received from supporters and political allies.
In a message shared with the public, the Nairobi Senator said he would soon address the media to clarify his position and respond to the concerns raised by Kenyans after the development triggered mixed reactions across the political landscape.
“After yesterday’s events, I have received many messages of encouragement and support. I will speak to the press this morning and address some of the issues being raised,” Sifuna said, signalling that he would soon outline his next steps.
Despite the changes within the party leadership, Sifuna appeared keen to continue with his political engagements. Shortly after news of his removal emerged, he announced that his political tours would proceed as planned.
One of the upcoming events is scheduled to take place in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15, and is expected to attract several prominent ODM leaders.
Among those expected to attend the gathering are Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, among other party figures.
The event is seen by observers as an indication that Sifuna still enjoys significant support within sections of the party.
In the wake of Sifuna’s removal, Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, who had been serving as the party’s Deputy Secretary General, was elevated to take over the role.
She is now expected to oversee the operations of the party secretariat at a crucial time as ODM prepares for its upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC), which has been scheduled for March 27, 2026.
The convention is expected to shape the party’s direction ahead of future political contests.
Meanwhile, political pressure continues to build around Sifuna’s next move, with speculation growing about his political future.
The situation has also attracted attention from other leaders eyeing future political contests. Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, recently announced his intention to challenge Sifuna for the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election.
Jalang’o, who was elected on an ODM ticket in 2022, made the announcement during an interview on Radio 47 earlier this week, signalling early political realignments as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general election.
The developments have added another layer of interest to the unfolding situation within ODM, as the party navigates internal changes while maintaining its place within the broader political landscape.
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