Africa-Press – Kenya. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s secretary general, prompting reactions from across the political divide.
In a statement issued after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa on Wednesday, the party announced that Sifuna had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
“Having deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of the Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the NEC resolved to remove him from office with immediate effect, in accordance with party constitution and applicable laws, effective immediately,” the statement read.
The decision was welcomed by some leaders aligned with the emerging broad-based political arrangement between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei congratulated the party leadership, led by Oburu Oginga, saying the move had restored “sanity” within ODM.
“I congratulate the Orange Democratic Party led by Oburu Odinga for bringing back sanity to the party by immediately removing Senator Edwin Sifuna as the secretary general,” Cherargei said.
He added that he had previously warned Sifuna.
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria framed the development within the broader realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election, describing the contest as a binary political battle.
“2027 will be mainly a mainstream politics game. The most bipolar election in 35 years of our multi-party experiment. There will be no option of driving on the service lane,” Kuria said.
“The referee has called teams from the dressing room to the pitch. Let everyone, including Sifuna and Co., pick their jerseys from the two options available: Broad-based or Opposition. It’s normal, healthy and inevitable,” he added.
However, the move has drawn backlash from Sifuna’s supporters and a section of ODM loyalists who view him as one of the party’s most articulate defenders.
A social media user identified as Myke argued that Sifuna’s longevity in the position was anchored on his personal political capital rather than party patronage.
“Those thinking that Sifuna has been SG for 8 years because of ODM? Noo. He’s been there because he is who we all think he is,” he said.
Another commentator, Masque, described the decision as shameful, accusing the party of silencing dissent rather than fostering dialogue.
“Kicking out Edwin Sifuna as ODM secretary general is shameful. The committee behind it has shown cowardice. Instead of dialogue, they chose intimidation. Silencing loyal voices weakens the party and betrays the democracy ODM claims to stand for,” he said.
Others argued that Sifuna had been instrumental in articulating ODM leader Raila Odinga’s political messaging.
“ODM without Sifuna marks the beginning of its decline. Few, if any, have understood and articulated Raila’s political strategy as effectively as Sifuna,” said Kimathi Felix.
Vic, another supporter, accused the party of departing from its democratic ideals, noting that Raila Odinga had previously upheld internal democracy.
Some voices, however, maintained that ODM would remain intact despite the leadership change.
“ODM was there before Sifuna, and it will be strong after Sifuna. Tell him to quit ODM and vie using another vehicle or force a by-election,” said Ian Bombaa Identicals on X.
Vitalis Ngoka described the removal as the best decision, adding that Sifuna was free to resign from ODM and seek a fresh mandate if dissatisfied.
