ODM Starts Formal Process to Remove Sifuna as Secretary General

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has now officially launched a fresh disciplinary process that could see Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna removed from his position as the party’s Secretary General.

The move marks a major escalation in the growing leadership wrangles that have recently rocked the party.

In a formal letter dated Thursday, April 2, and signed by ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga, Sifuna was directed to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee on April 8.

He is expected to answer several accusations that ODM says amount to gross misconduct and violation of the party constitution.

One of the main accusations against the Nairobi senator is that he has repeatedly gone public with statements that contradict the party’s official position and resolutions.

ODM specifically pointed to his strong opposition to the pre-election cooperation deal between the party and President William Ruto’s UDA, saying his public stand went against collective decisions already made by the party leadership.

The party further argues that Sifuna’s conduct has continued to create confusion among supporters and the public, especially because some of the statements he has been making appear to go against agreements reached in meetings where he was personally present.

According to ODM, this has weakened internal unity and sent mixed political signals at a time when the party is trying to reorganise itself ahead of the 2027 political season.

In the strongly worded show-cause letter, the party says his actions, when looked at together, amount to behaviour that is harmful to party discipline, unity, public image, and internal cohesion.

ODM says this goes against Article 11(2) of the party constitution and also breaches the responsibilities expected from a senior official holding such a critical office.

Sifuna is also being asked to explain why he allegedly failed to attend crucial party meetings, among them the Central Committee session held in February, where decisions touching on his role as Secretary General were discussed.

The party considers his absence from such important meetings as part of the disciplinary concerns now being raised against him.

Another serious issue raised in the letter is his involvement in the Linda Mwananchi initiative. ODM claims the political activities under that banner were launched and carried out outside the party’s officially recognised structures.

The leadership argues that any movement operating outside the approved framework risks deepening divisions inside the party, especially at a time when rival camps have already emerged.

The letter also warns that if Sifuna fails to submit his response or appear before the disciplinary panel within the timeline given, the case will proceed and be determined in his absence, strictly under the provisions of the ODM constitution.

This latest step comes only days after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal declined to immediately settle the matter and instead directed both Sifuna and ODM to first exhaust the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (IDRM).

The tribunal advised both sides to engage the internal process in good faith before seeking any further legal intervention.

The dispute has exposed deep divisions within ODM, where two major factions have now become more visible.

One side is the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has positioned itself closer to the opposition line, while the rival Linda Ground faction is seen as more aligned to the government-friendly camp within the party. This rivalry continues to shape the battle over the future direction of ODM.

The tension became even more visible during the party’s recent Special Delegates Conference, where major leadership changes were made.

Among those affected was Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, an ally of the Sifuna camp, who was removed from his position as deputy party leader.

During the same meeting, Oburu Odinga was elevated to party leader, while Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir were elected as deputy party leaders.

Gladys Wanga also strengthened her grip on the party after being formally elected national chairperson, signalling a broader restructuring of ODM’s top leadership as internal succession politics continue to intensify.

Overall, the disciplinary case against Sifuna is shaping up to be one of the biggest internal ODM political battles in recent years.

With factional lines now clearly drawn, the outcome of the hearing could significantly influence the party’s unity, opposition strength, and alliances heading toward the 2027 General Election.

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