Nairobi, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has maintained that he is still the duly elected Secretary General (SG) of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) despite being ousted from the position on Wednesday.
Addressing the media on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Sifuna dismissed the NEC decision as illegal, linking it to internal party divisions and alleged schemes tied to President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Sifuna’s Position
Sifuna argued that his removal was politically motivated, describing it as a witch hunt for opposing ODM’s alignment with Ruto.
“My only crime is that I have refused and opposed any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election because I have held the firm position that this country cannot afford another five years of divisive, incompetent and disastrous misadventures,” he said.
He insisted that he remains the rightful SG, having held the role for over nine years, and vowed not to bow to pressures from individuals “answering to instructions from elsewhere.”
Disputing Allegations
The Senator rejected claims that he had failed to adhere to party resolutions, noting that he had never been summoned or questioned by ODM’s legal team.
“At no time have I been informed of any allegations against me, be they of indiscipline, insubordination or incompetence. 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 said.
He added that having personal opinions should not be construed as misconduct.
Criticism of ODM Leadership
Sifuna also took aim at ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, arguing that his installation was unconstitutional and undermined the legacy of the late Raila Odinga.
“Those who now purport to run the party are aware that the new party leader was installed unconstitutionally. Just four months after Raila’s death, we can agree that Raila must be turning in his grave,” he remarked.
Legal Action
Sifuna confirmed that he is pursuing legal action to challenge his removal.
“That matter is before the court; let those who have made those accusations come and explain to us how I confused the party with my own opinions,” he said.
Meanwhile, ODM Deputy Secretary General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo has been appointed to serve as acting SG until a substantive office holder is elected.
Additional Disputes
Beyond ODM, Sifuna is also seeking legal redress against the Council of Governors (CoG), which accused him and four Senators of intimidating and attempting to extort Governors appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).
“Those Governors that are making those allegations, we will meet them in court because it is defamatory to say I have extorted you,” Sifuna stated.
Conclusion
Sifuna’s defiance sets the stage for a protracted legal and political battle within ODM. As he rallies supporters and challenges the party’s leadership, the dispute underscores deep divisions over ODM’s future direction and its positioning ahead of the 2027 General Election.
