Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has formally rejected his removal as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing the decision as illegal, unprocedural, and a blatant violation of the party’s constitution.
In a strongly worded statement issued on February 12, 2026, Sifuna accused a section of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) of unlawfully purporting to remove him from office during a meeting held in Mombasa on February 11.
Sifuna Terms Ouster Illegal
Sifuna stated that he was never informed of any allegations against him nor invited to respond to any complaints that would warrant removal from office.
“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,” he said.
He argued that no lawful organ of the party had summoned him for a hearing, insisting that due process was ignored.
Claims of Political Differences Over Ruto Alliance
The Nairobi Senator suggested that his removal was linked to his opposition to any plans within ODM to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
According to Sifuna, his “only crime” was maintaining a firm position that Kenya cannot afford another term under Ruto’s leadership. He criticised what he described as attempts to turn ODM into an appendage of State House.
“It is in public domain that my opposition to the party’s dalliance with Ruto started long before the Rt Hon Raila passed on,” he noted.
Sifuna further claimed that Raila Odinga understood and accommodated his stance while he was alive.
The embattled ODM official emphasized his long service to the party, noting that February 2026 marks the beginning of his ninth year as Secretary General — the longest-serving individual in that position.
He described himself as a loyal student of Raila Odinga and vowed never to betray the ideals of his late leader.
“It is painful to note that sections of the party continue to desecrate the legacy and memory of Raila by turning this party into a theatre of the illegal,” he stated.
Sifuna also referenced a recent gazette notice that he claimed was irregular, alleging procedural shortcuts in installing new party leadership.
Despite the setback, Sifuna maintained that surrender is not an option. He declared that he would challenge what he termed illegalities in both the courts of law and the court of public opinion.
“Our Party constitution places a responsibility on us to fight for ODM. And fight we shall. Through all lawful means we shall fight for this great institution until the very end,” he affirmed.
He urged party members to remain calm and committed to justice, transparency, and constitutionalism, insisting that the matter is about principle rather than position.
Remains ODM SG
In a defiant conclusion, Sifuna maintained that he remains the legitimate Secretary General of ODM and pledged continued loyalty to the party and its ideals.
“I remain a loyal member and the SG of the ODM Party. I remain committed to the struggle for a fair, just, and democratic Kenya,” he said.
As internal tensions escalate within ODM following Raila Odinga’s death, Sifuna’s firm stance sets the stage for a legal and political showdown that could significantly shape the party’s future ahead of the 2027 General Election.
