Africa-Press – Kenya. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has declared that he remains the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), dismissing a decision by a section of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) that purported to remove him from office.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Thursday, a day after the NEC meeting in Mombasa, Sifuna described the move as unlawful and procedurally flawed.
“I have taken note of the announcement made by a section of the ODM NEC in Mombasa yesterday, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, purporting to remove me from the position of Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement,” Sifuna said.
He challenged the legitimacy of the decision, stating: “Let me state, without fear of contradiction, that this action is illegal, unprocedural, and a blatant violation of the ODM Constitution, as well as the principles of natural justice.”
Sifuna argued that he had not been informed of any complaints or disciplinary proceedings that would warrant his removal from the position he says he still holds.
“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me, be they of indiscipline, insubordination or incompetence in the execution of my duties as SG,” he said. “Neither have I been invited to respond to any complaints in and out of the party, on any matter that would constitute grounds for removal.”
He further stated: “Consequently, no lawful organ of the party has invited me for any hearing.”
The senator suggested that his stance on internal party matters may have contributed to the dispute.
“Indeed, as far as internal differences in opinion go, my only ‘crime’ is that I oppose any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election,” he said.
Sifuna reflected on his tenure in the party, noting his length of service as Secretary-General. “This month marks the beginning of my ninth year as SG of ODM, the longest serving individual in that position,” he said.
He linked his leadership journey to the late party leader, Raila Odinga. “To serve that long at the feet of the enigmatic Raila Odinga needed one to summon all reservoirs of wisdom from all possible sources,” he said, adding that he remained guided by Odinga’s ideals.
“Even in the current circumstances, I would never betray the ideals and principles of my late leader,” Sifuna said.
He credited Raila with shaping his political approach and leadership philosophy. “I have served this party with loyalty, diligence, and unwavering commitment, because I had a leader in Raila who nurtured young leaders and knew how to bring competing interests and egos into one functional movement,” he said.
“My record speaks for itself, and will always do.”
Sifuna maintained that his opposition to what he termed the party’s “dalliance” with President Ruto predates recent events.
“It is in the public domain that my opposition to the party’s dalliance with Ruto started long before the Rt Hon Raila passed on,” he said. “He understood my reasons and accommodated them.”
Turning to the current leadership dynamics within ODM, Sifuna raised concerns about what he described as procedural breaches.
“Essentially, those who now purport to run the party are aware that, for instance, the new Party Leader was installed unprocedurally,” he said.
Sifuna appealed to party members to assess the direction the party is taking. “I leave it to party members to judge if this is really the path that the Rt Hon Odinga had set for us,” he said.
He also disclosed that efforts had been made by senior figures within the party to foster unity.
“In recent times, many respected personalities within the movement have reached out to me and to the rest of the leadership, seeking a middle ground of unity, at least until the NDC is convened,” Sifuna said.
He mentioned party trustees and members of Odinga’s family among those who had attempted to mediate. However, he suggested that dialogue had not been fully embraced.
Despite the dispute, Sifuna urged calm among ODM supporters. “I urge our members to remain calm, steadfast, and committed to the ideals that brought us together,” he said.
He emphasised that the disagreement transcended individual positions. “This is not about positions. It is about principle. It is about protecting the integrity of our party,” he said.
Sifuna signalled that he would contest the NEC decision through lawful channels.
“We will challenge every illegality in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion,” he said. “Surrender is not an option.”
Closing his address, Sifuna reiterated his claim to office. “I remain a loyal member and the SG of the ODM Party,” he said.
“I remain committed to the struggle for a fair, just, and democratic Kenya.”
The press briefing was attended by several leaders allied to Sifuna, including EALA MP Winnie Odinga, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, who were present to show support.
