National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has openly celebrated the removal of Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing the Nairobi Senator of undermining the party following the death of its founder, Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday night, February 11, 2026, Mbadi did not hide his satisfaction with the decision taken by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
“I am very excited that Sifuna has been fired as SG of ODM. I have been so depressed seeing what he was doing for ODM,” Mbadi said.
Mbadi Defends Raila’s Legacy
Mbadi argued that Sifuna’s conduct in the months after Raila’s passing raised serious concerns about party unity and direction. He claimed that the former Secretary General’s actions risked weakening the party at a critical moment of transition.
“If you’re claiming to like Raila and you want to destroy his party months after his death, it is not fair to his legacy,” Mbadi added.
According to Mbadi, safeguarding ODM’s stability and preserving Raila Odinga’s political legacy should be a priority for all party members.
Leadership Shake-Up in ODM
Sifuna was removed from his position during a NEC meeting held in Mombasa on February 11, 2026. The party announced that Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo would serve in an acting capacity until a substantive replacement is elected.
The decision has triggered mixed reactions within ODM, with some leaders defending the move as necessary for unity, while others have questioned the legality and fairness of the process.
Mbadi’s remarks highlight the deep divisions within ODM as the party navigates leadership transition and strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
As debate continues over Sifuna’s removal, the controversy underscores broader tensions within the party about loyalty, leadership direction, and the preservation of Raila Odinga’s political vision.
The coming weeks are likely to determine whether ODM consolidates around its new leadership structure or faces further internal challenges.
