Sifuna Says ‘I Am Still ODM SG’ After Shock Removal
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, February 12, 2026 – ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has broken his silence after the party announced his removal, saying he is still the rightful holder of the position.The party named Catherine Omanyo as his replacement, a move that caught many members by surprise. However, Sifuna insists the decision was unfair and rushed.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, the Nairobi Senator said no one informed him of any wrongdoing. He said no party organ called him to answer any claims before announcing his removal.
“The action is illegal and unconstitutional. At no time have I been informed of indiscipline. No organ of the party has invited me for any disciplinary action,” Sifuna said.
He added that he never received any letter, phone call or invitation asking him to explain himself.
“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.
Sifuna now plans to challenge the decision in court. He says the party did not follow its own rules.
At the heart of the dispute is a growing disagreement within ODM over its political direction. Sifuna believes his strong stand against President William Ruto’s re-election may have caused tension.
“My only ‘crime’ is that I oppose any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election,” he said.
He spoke firmly about his position, saying the country cannot afford another term under the current administration.
“I have held and continue to hold the firm position that this country cannot afford another five years of this expensive, divisive, incompetent and disastrous Ruto misadventure,” he said.
For Sifuna, the fight is also personal. This month marks nine years since he became ODM Secretary-General. He is the longest-serving person in that role.
He said serving under Raila Odinga shaped his leadership and strengthened his loyalty to the party.
“To serve that long at the feet of Raila Odinga needed wisdom and loyalty,” he said.
He described Raila as a leader who nurtured young politicians and brought people together even when they disagreed.
“I have served this party with loyalty, diligence and unwavering commitment because I had a leader in Raila who nurtured young leaders,” Sifuna said. He insisted he will not betray the values he believes ODM stands for.
“My record speaks for itself. My opposition to the party’s dalliance with Ruto started long before Raila passed on. He understood my reasons and accommodated them,” he said.
During the press briefing, Sifuna stood side by side with leaders who share his stand. Among them were Siaya Governor James Orengo, EALA MP Winnie Odinga and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.Their presence showed that the disagreement runs deep within the party.
Now, ODM faces a difficult moment. On one side is a long-serving Secretary-General who refuses to step down. On the other is a party leadership that has already named a new office holder.
As supporters watch closely, the battle may shift to the courts. Until then, Sifuna remains firm.“I am the validly elected Secretary-General of ODM,” he said.
The coming days will determine whether the dispute ends in dialogue or in a legal fight that could test the unity of one of Kenya’s biggest political parties.
