Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been removed from his position as Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) adopted recommendations from its internal disciplinary committee.
The decision, announced on Monday, marks a major shift within the opposition party and comes after months of legal and internal disputes involving one of ODM’s most prominent leaders.
According to a statement issued by the party, the NEC unanimously endorsed findings presented by the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC), which had been tasked with investigating complaints lodged against Sifuna in his capacity as Secretary-General.
“The NEC received and considered the report of the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee and unanimously resolved to adopt its recommendations, including the removal of Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna from the office of Secretary-General,” the party said.
Months-long dispute ends
Sifuna’s removal follows a prolonged standoff between the senator and ODM’s leadership that played out both within party structures and before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT).
The senator had previously obtained tribunal orders that temporarily halted disciplinary proceedings against him. However, those orders were later lifted, allowing ODM’s internal mechanisms to proceed with the case.
The party stated that Sifuna was given opportunities to participate in the disciplinary process and was granted several requests for adjournments and additional information regarding the allegations he faced.
ODM officials said the senator ultimately declined to proceed with the hearings, with his legal team citing concerns about impartiality within the disciplinary committee.
The committee subsequently heard and determined the matter in his absence before forwarding its recommendations to the NEC.
Fresh setback for Sifuna
The development comes just days after Sifuna was removed from the Senate Energy Committee during a reconstitution of parliamentary committees.
The changes, announced in the Senate through a motion tabled by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, saw Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang take Sifuna’s place in the influential committee chaired by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
The latest move further weakens Sifuna’s standing within ODM at a time when divisions within the party continue to attract political attention ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM wishes Sifuna well
Despite the disciplinary outcome, ODM struck a conciliatory tone, thanking Sifuna for his service and wishing him success in his future political engagements.
“We take this opportunity to wish our former Secretary-General well in his future endeavours and engagements,” the party said.
The removal of one of ODM’s most visible national figures is expected to trigger fresh debate about the party’s internal dynamics and could have wider implications for opposition politics as political realignments gather pace ahead of the next election cycle.
