Edwin Sifuna has lost his position as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement after a decision by the party’s top organ.
ODM leaders confirmed the removal after a National Executive Council meeting held in Mombasa on February 11.
Party officials said NEC members discussed discipline, leadership conduct, and internal order during the session.
The council then passed a resolution that removed Sifuna from office with immediate effect.
ODM’s senior leadership released a formal statement explaining the decision and the reasons behind it. The statement pointed to rising cases of indiscipline among senior party officials.
NEC members said the party runs under constitutional rules and collective decisions by recognised party organs. They stressed that every official must follow party structures and internal procedures.
The council said members reviewed Sifuna’s conduct before reaching the final decision. NEC members then voted and agreed on his removal from the Secretary General position.
The party named Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo as the new acting Secretary General. She previously served as the party’s deputy Secretary General before this change.
Party leaders directed Omanyo to take charge of the secretariat immediately after the resolution. She will lead the office as ODM prepares for its upcoming National Delegates Convention.
ODM scheduled the National Delegates Convention for March 27, 2026. Party officials expect the meeting to make key structural and leadership decisions.
Signs of tension appeared before the NEC meeting took place in Mombasa. Sifuna did not attend the session despite its importance.
Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi also missed the same NEC meeting. Osotsi said he remained in Nairobi to handle Senate duties.
Several insiders had earlier reported sharp disagreements within the party leadership. Those disagreements centered on strategy, alliances, and party direction toward the next general election.
Some party members had pushed the NEC to review Sifuna’s position in recent days. Others warned that removing him could trigger deeper internal divisions.
ODM leaders still proceeded with the disciplinary discussion despite those warnings. NEC members said party stability required firm decisions and clear rules.
The official statement from the NEC emphasized order and accountability inside the party. Leaders said senior officials must set an example through their conduct.
The statement also said the NEC holds authority to act when conduct issues arise. Members said the constitution gives the council power to protect party discipline.
Sifuna has served as ODM Secretary General while also acting as Nairobi Senator. He has often spoken strongly on party positions and national politics.
His public statements sometimes created friction with sections of the party leadership. Those differences have played out in recent public debates and interviews.
Supporters of Sifuna have defended his style and positions in past disputes. Critics inside the party have accused him of going against internal consensus.
The NEC did not publish detailed charges in the public statement. Leaders instead focused on discipline and collective responsibility language.
Omanyo now steps into a powerful administrative role within the party structure. She will coordinate party operations and official communication from the secretariat.
Her new assignment places her at the center of ODM’s daily management. She will also help prepare documents and programs for the delegates convention.
Party officials expect a busy period before the March convention date. Branches across the country plan to send delegates and proposals.
ODM continues to face internal debate over coalition strategy and future alliances. Those debates have increased pressure on the top leadership organs.
Recent grassroots elections also changed several party branch leadership positions. Those changes have reshaped voting strength inside party organs.
The NEC meeting in Mombasa drew attention because of these ongoing tensions. Security and attendance details attracted interest from members and observers.
Supporters gathered around the meeting venue as leaders held closed-door discussions. Party officials controlled access and limited participation to NEC members.
ODM leaders said the party must protect its internal democracy through rules. They argued that discipline processes strengthen, not weaken, the organization.
Some members expect further changes after the National Delegates Convention. That meeting could confirm or adjust several leadership roles.
Sifuna has not issued a detailed public response to the removal at this stage. His allies have continued to speak in his defense in political circles.
The party constitution outlines how officials enter and leave office. NEC members often rely on those rules during disputes.
ODM leaders say the party will continue normal operations despite the shakeup. They want members to focus on organization and mobilization work.
The leadership change marks one of the most significant internal decisions this year. It also signals a tougher enforcement approach by the NEC.
Political observers now watch how Sifuna and his supporters will respond next. The reaction could shape ODM’s internal balance before the 2027 race.
